TURNING THE MIND is released on the 26 September 2009.

Maps, aka James Chapman, recorded this new album with Tim Holmes (Death In Vegas) at the Contino Rooms in London.

Chapman explains, “TURNING THE MIND is essentially an album which explores themes related to the human mind and the way certain stimuli, particularly chemical, can affect the mind in different ways. A recurring theme throughout the album is that of the ‘journey of extremes’. An example of this could be from ‘depression’ to ‘euphoria’ (or ‘abyss’ to ‘bliss’, if you like). The title comes from the cognitive therapy practice of ‘Mindfulness’ which I came across a few years ago, taught by Professor M. Linehan. It is a practice, which in simple terms, takes negative thoughts and turns them towards positive ones by accepting reality as it is, however bad it may be. The tracks for this album never seemed to stop flowing from the day I began working on them; it is a true statement of Maps’ music at this precise moment.”

Serious stuff! But the key aim of this album is about turning the negative into the positive, and reflecting it in the style of music used to convey the message. Chapman has succeeded by combining simple lyrical statements with heavy doses of quite subtle electronica - this is not a dance record. Rather, it’s an adult pop album and there’s no better example than the opening track ‘Turning The Mind.’ It opens with the line, “Hey, how you keeping, I guess it’s been a while. I heard you’ve been sleeping, that always makes you smile…”
It’s the most moving and beautiful song here with its soft and expressive vocal (and lovely vocal harmonies), fabulous melody, glacial pace and deeply atmospheric keyboard-based electronic sounds. It’s a song that leaves its mark and by rights should have been the first single (regardless of its 6-minute length). Instead the next track ‘I Dream Of Crystal’ is the first single by virtue probably of its more conventional sound, beefier bass rhythm and argiably more epic soundscape. It’s good mind but not as…

‘Let Go Of The Fear’ has a solid dance vibe and a darker sub-text. Even the hip-hop style vocal is deathly and deep as it plays over warped and weird sound samples. Interesting. ‘Vallium In The Sunshine’ sounds like a softly rolling summer jaunt over the poppyfields. It’s another highlight here, and could be another single. Darkness descends again with the funerial tonesof ‘Papercuts.’ Chapman is still able to inject optimism and the song lightens somewhat as it travels along. There are more standouts like the fast-paced and hugely melodic ‘Everything Is Shattering,’ and spaced-out ‘Chemelion.’ The jagged rhythmic bass vibe of ‘Die Happy, Die Smiling’ could also be another single. In fact there’s not a single weak track here.

TURNING YOUR MIND tackles a complex subject in a way that is both accessible and entertaining. It also offers a high degree of sonic adventure while riding on tangible melodies and intelligent lyrics. Tim Holmes has done a wondrous job in producing the record which at times sounds astonishing. This will take a few plays to fully appreciate but I promise you’ll get it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he secures another Mercury nomination for the effort.

4/5