Van Morrison once said that part of becoming a musician is accepting the inevitable change, not only within yourself, but also your music. For an industry that is constantly growing and evolving from within, this seems like a rather appropriate sentiment.

There have been times where change simply hasn’t worked though (INXS, anyone?).  Fortunately for Brisbane group Mapletons, their new EP Origami Army - complete with two new band members - this isn’t one of those times.

The current incarnation of Mapletons features Anita Goldsworthy as lead vocalist, Derek Orr on guitar, Carl Roosmale-Cocq on bass, and Mitch Clark on drums.

Anita Goldsworthy, put simply, is gold (see what I did there?). The decision to put her on lead vocals is one I doubt the band will regret. Her voice seems to have the ability to turn mere notes into liquid amber (and mortals into men…etc.).

The first track, “Today We Play”, serves as a good preview for the rest of the album. The verses are both soothing and catchy, and the chorus is contagiously fun and upbeat.

Anita’s dreamy voice blends perfectly with the keys and drum rhythms in “Seaside”, bringing images of lying on warm sand and sleeping in the sun by the water, while “Mondays” is cheeky, and hints of times rather left forgotten. The vocals have a catchy, childlike simplicity, which encourage the listener to sing along (and maybe to... skip work too).

Listening to “New Snow” feels a little bit like drowning on air. Anita’s voice is both haunting and uplifting, while the rhythm carries the echo of the melody and keyboard to a solid base. It feels similar to watching the sky; you feel the solidness of the ground beneath you, but vastness of the stars reminds you how small you really are. In case you couldn’t tell, this is by far my favourite track.

The bass and guitar in “The Place Where No One Knows” are noteworthy, and along with Anita’s vocals (and some howling), they suggest of unknown places. Definitely one to listen to before you go to sleep (if you’re into having good dreams, that is).

“Gunpower” is a fast-moving and fun finish to the album. Notably, the track was featured in the indie film "Jucy". As the lyrics point out, “it’s over now, a new beginning starts” (this is the point where you would start the album again).

The six tracks from Origami Army are a mix-tape of punchy song lyrics, hauntingly smooth melodies and catchy riffs, and showcase not only the individual talents of each band member, but their ability to form a band that works and is... just, good.

Review Score: 7.5/10