Jersey Beat, 6/2009
"Bursting forth from the speakers with a winning mix of infectiously bouncy joy and equally sparky melodicism, this album is a real treat to listen to. Andy Werth’s warm and dynamic voice belts out the upbeat lyrics with tremendous hearty aplomb. Moreover, the arrangements are extremely catchy, sunny and tuneful. Best of all, there’s a delightfully happy and upbeat sensibility evident throughout. A refreshingly radiant and appealing pip."
Three Imaginary Girls, 5/2009
Show Promo: click here
Seattle Weekly, 5/2009
Show Promo: click here
Megan Morgan, Independent Clauses, 5/2/2009
Interview: Andy Werth Successfully Gives Birth to a Mountain
Slacker Sounds, 5/1/2009
"Fun, carefree tunes…"
Jodi Brothers, KMTT 103.7 the Mountain, 5/2009
"I really like it. Good stuff!"
Kim Ruehl, Sound Magazine, 4/2009
"… this album (Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass) does almost everything pop music is supposed to do. Be warned Weth's songs will needle their crafty little way into the deepest confines of your brain until you're singing them to yourself in the grocery store line…." (3 & 1/2 Stars)
Charles R. Cross, author of "Heavier Than Heaven" and "Roomful of Mirrors", 4/14/2009
"I'm loving this album ... he's taken a big leap with the songwriting!"
Jonathan Cunningham, Seattle Weekly, 4/8/2009
"At a time when artists pursuing the piano-pop route to fame aren't as common as they used to be, locally based singer/songwriter Andy Werth seems focused on expanding the genre's capabilities. On his debut full-length, Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass, Werth blends sounds and songs together to fit the nuances of everyday life. Love and loss are key themes, but the music feels cinematic... All told, Werth's songs leave a deep, lasting impression."
Travis, Earcandybeat.com, 4/2009
"It wouldn't be a weekend in Seattle without a CD release show and this week's pick of the litter is local songsmith Andy Werth. Ear Candy has given his album "Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass" a stream thanks to Werth's publicist and it definitely gets a solid recommendation from EC HQ. The album hedges the line of trendy indie pop that will attract the hipster crowd and pop rock a la Matthew Sweet. Think Dolour with all the annoying bleeps and boops replaced by spontaneous and fun rocking out guitars."
Megan Morgan, Independent Clauses, 3/2009
"Andy Werth and band hail from Seattle, Washington, but there’s not much evidence from their first full-length album, Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass, that it ever rains there. And while we all know this to be untrue, Andy Werth sure makes an impressive case for listeners to believe in Seattle’s perpetual sunshine. With bright accompanying horns (trumpet and sax), joyful piano arrangements, and a hint of electronic sounds mixed in, Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass is a perfect soundtrack for spring. There are clouds on the album cover, and there are some “cloudy” moments on the album, but there’s always sun in the forecast.
The album’s opener, “Stay Here with You,” begins on a calm note with Werth’s Ben-Foldsy piano part, but really shines during the incredibly catchy chorus. You’ll be singing along the first time you hear it. “Stay Here with You” also introduces the reoccurring theme of travel (especially by car) and direction, which would make this album really great for road trips. “Get in Your Car” has a pretty similar format to the opener, but has a different enough melody to make it another pop gem.
“15th Street” stands out for its fun lyrics and (again) its catchy chorus. By moving seamlessly from verse to hook to chorus, this song is very well-composed in an “art is hiding the art” sort of way. The energetic and dance-inducing bass (played by Steve McPherson) is also fun in “15th Street.” “Emily” has a lyric that really stands out for me – “you’ll find out there’s more to life than just being alive.” Also, listen for a neat bit in here with a low, walking piano line working in tandem with punctuating horns – it only comes once, so pay attention!
“Back Row” brings more upbeat rock to the album, and includes a downright funky horn section. Relentless, pounding energy from drummer Jeff Roeser drives the song. “Nothing to Fix” also adds another jolt of adrenaline to the second half of the album, with an insistent beat and angry lyrics.
Some of the weaker songs on Burn the Maps and Bury the Compass are the electronically-driven ones, but they are pretty short, and it is still interesting to hear it partnered with the classical piano. The best moments on this album are the choruses, which are generally the most full-sounding and satisfying parts. Another strong point is Werth’s voice, which is fun and youthful, but also developed enough to sound mature. He has a no-nonsense vocal style which hits all the notes (some of them soaring) without unnecessary embellishment.