The Map and the Territory by EXEK

For all of the gothic-tinged post punk we’ve been seeing recently, bands like EXEK that take the same sensibilities in a more experimental, kraut-rock-oriented direction feel ever more refreshing. On The Map and the Territory, EXEK’s drummer takes charge, weaving in and out of off-kilter dub grooves and straightforward motorik passages. Around this expertly-guided center swirls a whirlwind of squealing guitars, new wavey vocals, dubby bass lines, and prog rock organs. EXEK used to describe itself as more of a jam band, which makes a lot of sense taking into account their ability to craft these naturally flowing songs that effortlessly balance variety and consistency, virtuosity and purpose. The Map and the Territory tackles the frustration that stems from being surrounded by symbols with confusing (if any) connections to real world objects, and the record maintains both the simplicity of living in the symbol world and the underlying complexity that reveals itself when one starts peeling back the layers of symbolism. -Michael