I wrote about this EP when it was released back in December, but I wanted to leave it a while before reviewing it 'properly' as Innocence Mission records generally take a bit of time to sink in. As it turned out, this was no exception.
On their last two, incredibly beautiful, albums grief was the predominant emotion. Karen Peris sang about the death of her Mother ('Befriended') and then her Father ('We Walked In Song') and while these records contained joy through memories and the feeling that her Mother and Father were still with her in some way, there was of course much sadness in the songs. On 'Street Map' Peris observes the world around her and this makes for a beautifully crafted EP.
As always with the Innocence Mission, the music is gentle and pretty. Don Peris' guitar-picking is as expressive as ever and there is plenty of beautiful piano. Karen Peris' voice and words make this record though. She starts the opening song with "Let's not be restless my darlings/ let's be glad at home my dears" and immediately the world is less noisy and rushed, its a peaceful, beautiful opening.
The eight songs here fit together well, including the instrumental interludes. There are undoubted highlights though. 'A Thousand Miles', upbeat and joyous, is a bike ride through an unknown town, taking in sights and noticing small details. 'You Draw The Streets Of Rome' is realising how big the world is and how small we are("the map you draw in blue chalk/ includes us") and 'Pioneering' with its lead piano is the commentary of a tour through a city ("oh drive on/ drive on").
Peris sings all these songs beautifully. She guides us through her World and teaches us to notice and look for things more. This will be the perfect record to play when Spring arrives...except by then there will be a whole new Innocence Mission album to enjoy. This is just gorgeous, heart warming music.
9.3
['Street Map' is out now through www.theinnocencemission.com ]
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