EXEK - THE MAP AND THE TERRITORY (LP)

BLACK VINYL LP. "Australian post-punk sextet EXEK—singer Albert Wolski, guitarist Jai Morris-Smith, synthesist Andrew Brocchi, trumpeter and backing-vocalist Valya YL Hooi, bassist Ben Hepworth, and Chris Stephenson on the drums—deliver their sixth full-length LP, The Map and the Territory. Self-recorded throughout 2021 to 2022, frontman Albert Wolski describes The Map and the Territory as "perhaps less ambitious than some previous EXEK releases. In a positive way, obviously." Comprised of eight tracks, there is a greater focus on song craftsmanship, where elongated jams play second fiddle to choruses and hooks. These new tracks will translate effectively into a live environment, and are destined to quickly become set favorites. And yes, of course, the iconic EXEK album soundmarks remain ever present—dubbed out drums, guitars that sound like robots from Forbidden Planet, and deep synths that recall The Idiot. EXEK once again stay true to their trademark recording process—one of endless