By the time of A Trip to Marineville, Swell Maps had already released three classic singles – “Read About Seymour”, “Dresden Style”, “Real Shocks” – none of which appeared on the album, naturally, but they all hinted at a great avant-pop band worming its way out of a restrictive punk jacket. A Trip to Marineville makes that promise real, and then some. It begins with a number of short, sharp jolts to the nervous system – the hyperactive rush of “H.S. Art,” “Another Song,” “Vertical Slum” – takes a breather with a few hypnotic drone-outs – “Midget Submarines,” “Harmony in Your Bathroom” – and then takes off into space on side two. There’s a fierce tribute to Can’s “Mother Sky” here, called “Full Moon In My Pocket,” and then two long, sleepy songs, “Gunboats” and “Adventures Into Basketry,” that unravel into untutored improvisations. What a wild ride.