Falling Off Maps

Falling Off Maps

Falling Off Maps are a Nottingham five-piece group working in indie, rock, alternative and electronic music, with an alternative rock edge. The line-up comprises Dave Wright on vocals and guitar, Dane Prewett on bass and electronics, Joe Watts on guitar, Tom Harrison on piano and Jay Wright on drums.

Background

The band form around a concept before any music exists, with both the name and debut album title chosen in advance. Their debut album is A Seaside Town In Winter, a title drawn from the image of a seaside place that becomes empty and desolate in winter. The band use that idea as a wider metaphor for isolation, relationships, previous band experiences and the wish to escape from parts of life.

Previous band

Before forming Falling Off Maps, the members play in Headway. As teenagers they experience early industry success, including a first gig with ZZ Top, a major-label signing, support slots including Wembley Arena, and a move to the United States after Geffen signs them on hearing one song. They work in Los Angeles, play major venues and have songs placed on television, but their album is never released. After the departure of Geffen’s president, the group are left without a deal. When Headway split in 2009, they say they have “fallen off the map”, which leads to the new band name.

Sound and approach

Falling Off Maps make music shaped by contrasts of bleakness and uplift, using ideas of hope, solace, intimacy, escape and liberation. Their songs are described as cinematic and minimalist, with some tracks built around sparse arrangements, string parts and choral elements. The band work without outside industry influence and produce themselves, aiming for music that moves between dark and light rather than staying in one emotional register.

Musical references

Their sound is compared with Radiohead, Leonard Cohen, Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie and early Elbow, with a focus on elegiac electronic textures and condensed musical drama.

Recorded work

On A Seaside Town In Winter, songs mentioned include “The Redeemer”, “Honest” and “Wolf River / The Smoking River At The Hotel Cafe”. The album is presented as the first full expression of the band’s self-defined world, built from restraint and atmosphere as much as from what is included in the recordings.