Label: Independent

Release Date: February 25, 2014

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

Featuring an experienced rock trio, guitarist Mark Engles, singe/bassist Ben Flanagan, and drummer Chris Robyn, the debut offering from Black Map impresses and rocks!  Opener "I'm Just The Driver" offers up a cool rock vibe, heavy on tone and rhythm.  The vocals contrast the music just enough to make it work.  This is the way to kick off a disc - keep the listener engaged and guessing.  "Gold" kicks in with guitars and drums going full speed and coming right at you.  The vocals kick in and you know this is going to be musical gold.  The song has enough sensibility to be played on alt rock radio while also having enough edge to hit hard rock airwaves.  "Head For The Hills" starts off with a shoegaze feel, but soon turns into a rock track reminiscent of the alt rock sound of the 90's.  The guitars blend well with the bass while the drums keep this song on track and moving along.  "Ropes" closes this EP out with a straight-forward rock sound that takes is as strong as the opening track.  These guys have a recipe for success - I cannot wait to see what they do with a full length disc.