The End Is Nigh...And It Is Beautiful - Mappe Of Releases 'Afterglades'

 

Space and the worlds beyond our own have been a subject for many musical odysseys. David Bowie, Sun-Ra, Parliament, Hawkwind, Afrika Bambaata, and many artists spanning all genres have looked up and beyond the confines of planet Earth for inspiration. What lies beyond our atmosphere is a grand mystery, but one thing is certain - it ends. And there can be beauty in it.

Afteglades, the third LP from Mappe Of (project of multi-instrumentalist Tom Meikle), explores the complicated emotional journey in the face of an extraplanetary reckoning. Against the backdrop of a world ending event, Meikle maintains a genuine essence of humanity and vulnerability. Afterglades is less of a concept album and unravels more as a meditation on how we as individuals would approach our distinct end with the people we love most. 


The end of the world is an overwhelming theme, but the ethereal vocals and masterfully layered instrumentals feels like someone is holding your hand - leading you through the narrative. Don’t get me wrong, there are purposeful moments that feel like the grip is loosening, but you are fully immersed. Produced by Will Crann (who also produced Mappe Of’s fantastical previous album Isle of Ailynn), the dynamic sequencing of the tracks keeps you on your toes but remains thoroughly accessible. While intricate and complex in its arrangements, Afterglades makes the listener feel like the main character of the story. Surrounded by sprawling instrumentation and technical complexity, the album is about the individual who is experiencing it.


Mappe Of utilizes elements of folk, post-rock, and electronica to create a swirling atmosphere from start to finish, Afterglades feels like a well researched experiment that I am more than happy to be a guinea pig for. 


Afterglades drops September 19, 2025 via Paper Bag Records. Preorders for physical copies available HERE.

To stream the released singles on Spotify, click HERE.

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