After several years of making home recordings, the group were inspired by Buzzcocks self-released 'Spiral Scratch EP' to book into a studio and record debut single 'Read About Seymour' in September 1977. Issued on their own Rather label, it was later reissued by Rough Trade. Debut LP "A Trip To Marineville" was issued in 1979. The Maps issued one more album before disbanding in 1980. Most band members went on to have solo careers. Jowe Head subsequently enjoyed a long stint as a member of Television Personalities.