Map of the Woulds – The Old Songs (2025)
While Map of the Woulds has the spark of innocent youths making their clumsy way into the world, the trio are seasoned veterans far from being a newbie on the block. Not necessarily minnows in the industry shark pool, Woody Frank (vocals and guitar), Andrew Woods (bass and vocals) and Adrian Woods (drums and vocals) have an arsenal of diverse sounds, backgrounds, projects, and extensive touring to boot. Formed a few years back in 2019, Map of the Woulds “embraces the turn-on-a-dime flexibility of the trio with newfound focus on songwriting and making challenging ideas pop-palatable…” Come with us as we dive headfirst into their latest single, ‘The Old Songs’.
Beginning my Map of the Woulds education with ‘The Old Songs’, I was dragged back to the sounds of 90s pop-rock. A nostalgic breath of bands like Weezer and Jimmy Eat World, the lads guide you through a groove of guitars, drums, and rich vocals. Yet, as much as there is gentle calmness peeping from the background, the track is somewhat jagged, angular, and obscure. It’s like tiptoeing across a sonic lake, skipping from pebble to pebble with a smile on your face, but focusing on the possible wave coming with toppling force.
Finding that duality between simplistic and kaleidoscopic, the US-based group presents prominence of each element as if the instruments and vocals were on separate paths; however, each aspect comes together with gritty harmony, bringing its rhythmic symphony in a united whole.
Intriguing and eclectic, the melody is enjoyable without being too overwhelming, but it is the honest lyricism that makes me feel as if I’m talking to an old friend instead of making a new acquaintance. A dark and cynical song, ‘The Old Songs’ takes an “…entirely absurdist look at the current state of being in a creative person in the modern world” – then again, there’s a matter-of-fact sentiment making you laugh the lyrics off while still taking a second to consider them.
A realm of duality with a rock-inspired pop-like tinge, ‘The Old Songs’ is a song I will happily have on repeat. I dare you to take a listen and enjoy it with me.
Find out more about Map of the Woulds on their official website, Instagram, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more rock music on The Other Side Reviews Rock playlist:
