Music Review: Thank You Scientist, Maps Of Non-Existent Places

By Tyler Hodg

In a world with so many options, how does one decide on what genre to listen to? Well, “thank” Thank You Scientist for finding a solution to that problem. Categorizing this band isn’t easy and simply isn’t worth the effort. With the re-release of their album Maps Of Non-Existent Places, Thank You Scientist proves that you don’t need to be bound by genre, but by passion and creativity.

Originally released in 2012, Maps Of Non-Existent Places sees a new life with the help of Claudio Sanchez (Coheed and Cambria) and his label Evil Ink Records. The album has been remixed and re-mastered, giving it a clearer and more polished sound. Not one member overshadows the other—an impressive accomplishment considering there are seven members in the band. Featuring horns and violin, Thank You Scientist turns a typical line-up into something fresh and exciting. Everyone gets a moment to shine at some point with either a solo or featured part.

Maps Of Non-Existent Places is extremely melodic, and can turn from calm and simplistic to beautifully written chaos in an instant. Following no set structure, Thank You Scientist takes their songs in wild directions and keeps the listener guessing as to where they will go next. Music is meant to be a journey—not a race—and the band has clearly gotten this crucial message. One moment they’re a progressive rock band, and the next they’re channeling sounds of Mexico and could be labeled a hardcore mariachi band. Despite the mixed bag of styles and genres, Maps Of Non-Existent Places is a cohesive album and remarkably, nothing seems out of place.

The album has many standout tracks, but the fourth, “Blood on the Radio,” seems to take the cake. At 9:44 in length, the song never loses its excitement. For many long tracks, it takes a few listens to digest it completely, but this isn’t the case with here. Its flow as a song is fluid and transitioning from part to part seems comfortable instead of forced. The same can be said about the other songs on the album, but “Blood on the Radio” seems to have an indescribable “something else” in it.

Thank You Scientist is not for everyone. Their unconventional music may be too much for some and with the shortest song clocking in at 5:16, it’s understandable why their music isn’t exactly a hit on the radio. But in this day and age, people are finding more bands through alternative methods and exploring the idea that songs don’t need to be three minutes to stay exciting. Maps Of Non-Existent Places proves that not only do you not need to follow the rules of radio, but that going against the grain can be refreshing in a world filled with generic garbage. What Claudio Sanchez saw in Thank You Scientist is undeniable, and signing them to his label Evil Ink Records is instantly justified after a single listen. Thank You Scientist are extremely unique, and for that, deserve a lengthy career.

Maps Of Non-Existent Places will be available on September 30 from Evil Ink Records.

Tour Dates (with Coheed and Cambria):
09/27/14: NEW YORK, NY: HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM
09/28/14: BOSTON, MA: HOUSE OF BLUES
09/30/14: DETROIT, MI: THE FILLMORE DETROIT
10/01/14: TORONTO, ON: KOOL HAUS
10/02/14: CLEVELAND, OH: HOUSE OF BLUES
10/04/14: MINNEAPOLIS, MN: SKYWAY THEATRE
10/05/14: CHICAGO, IL: HOUSE OF BLUES
10/06/14: LOUISVILLE, KY: MERCURY BALLROOM
10/07/14: ATLANTA, GA: TABERNACLE
10/25/14: CHICAGO, IL: REGGIE’S ROCK CLUB