Map of Wyoming
Round Trip

(Innerstate)

First Appeared at The Music Box, March 2000, Volume 7, #3

Written by John Metzger

Fans of early R.E.M. ought to check out Round Trip — the debut release from Map of Wyoming. The group, which was formed out of the ashes of San Francisco cult-favorite Flying Color, slip-slides its way through a shimmering set of jangly, roots-oriented rock. Not that everything on the disc stems directly from the R.E.M. catalog, but there is little doubt that Michael Stipe and company were an immense influence on the band.

Fans who choose to dig a little deeper, however, will find that there is quite a bit more to behold. Map of Wyoming also draws from the pop sensibility and percussion grooves of Steely Dan (Broken Sky) and the edgy country drive of Wilco (Come Monday and Always Alone), and it filters everything through the many facets of Neil Young’s talent. Better still, the music on Round Trip gets wrapped up a nice little package of infectious pop that is sure to grow on you.

Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2000 The Music Box