Starting off with the title track, the disc seems to begin with a lot of promise. The guitar is playing a nice upbeat, the vocals are easily singing over the music, while the bass and drums keep a steady beat active. From there, the song keeps the mid-tempo beat, leaving the listener with a lot of energy just wasting away. Then some thick horn lines blow their way through the music, once again bringing some hope the listener's way. But they never elaborate on what could have been. The way it is, the horn section is very strong, but the rest of the track leaves something to be desired. "Open 24 Hours," the other new studio track on this disc, ends the bitter taste of disappointment the first track leaves behind. The drums kick it off, pounding ferociously, letting the listener know that this is going to be a song that moves. Keeping the song together all the way through, the drums pound and pound, always making you want to bang your feet along with the song. The slightly-rough vocals combine nicely with the scream of the guitar, while the bass lays down some thick lines. All while the horns, once again, energize the song and keep the energy pouring out from every angle of the song. Avoiding repetition, Telegraph throws "Coffee Drinking Song (very demo version)" to the listener. Weezer influenced, this has some nice pop hooks, as well as some great work courtesy of the moog. As the title suggests, it's a 'very demo version,' meaning their is a lot of work to be done. Putting that aside, though, it is refreshing to hear them move out and expand on their sound. Even as a hastily pieced number, it still has some very nice hooks and parts to it, making it the song on the album most likely to stick with you after you're finished with the disc. Closing off with a live version of "American Way," Telegraph brings one of their best songs to your ears. Powerful ska-punk, this is a number you'll dance and mosh with...sometimes at the same time. Juicy horns mixed with a catchy upbeat, your feet will instantly pick up on this number and make it one of your favorites. Although, after seeing this band live, I can say this number doesn't do them half the justice it should. The song has energy, but live they are so much more energetic.

This EP is six songs thrown together to keep their fans happy until they release another full-length, and that's exactly what is sounds like. There are some good movements, but for the most part, this disc comes and goes without any real force. For the first few listens it was nice, but after that, it got old. I'll give it a C+.

Telefon Tel Aviv: Map of What Is Effortless

Telephone: EP

[Issue Twelve // September 1998]