Melbourne's answer to London Grammar, the exquisite duo Arctic Maps, have so far totalled some 2000-plus Soundcloud plays in the five weeks their debut single 'The Ocean Is My Cathedral' had been online. Given they are still a virtually unknown act, as exposure grows, so undoubtedly will this figure - and it's easy to see why.
Formed in the latter half of last year, Arctic Maps is comprised of vocalist / keys / songwriter Freya Bennett (who also has solo project, The Marvellous Reject Girl) and Nathan Power (NPOWA; synths, backing vocals, production), they combine those captivating and highly listenable qualties of chilled, ethereal orchestral electronica arrangements and a magnetically engaging, gossamer-fine female vocal.
According to the band, 'The Ocean Is My Cathedral' is a lament to a lost friendship and was inspired by a photo taken by New Zealand photographer Connie McDonald (see photo above).
With just this one track (we hear several more are being worked on for release throughout 2015) as yet to go by, plus one remix (see below), and as yet to make their live debut, it may be a little early to judge, but with something the quality of 'The Ocean Is My Cathedral' as an initial opener, things must certainly be looking good for Arctic Maps' future.
The pair have also put out last week (January 14) this remix of Vallis Alps' track 'Young' from the latter's just-released debut EP, showing they are just as adept at putting a fresh spin on someone else's work as they are at creating totally original works of their own.
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