Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
Artist: Atlas Sound
Album: Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel
Label: Kranky
Sometimes as I am drifting into a nap, I have this sudden and intense falling feeling. I usually start out of it—how scary to suddenly sink through something stable—but I imagine that if I relaxed and let it continue, it would feel like this album. Dusted Reviews sums it up well: “Atlas Sound is concerned only with the drift, the feeling of release and the gradual glide of passing time and shifting place.” So with equal uneasiness and pleasure I listen to this album. It is a siren’s call: soft and seductive with some remarkable pop hooks, and then suddenly you are caught in a rip tide and pulled adrift. It is good, and the intensity of the tone prevents boredom for those not used to listening to ambient sounds (such as myself). It may be a bit overwrought—I remember my friends laughing at me when my favorite Xiu Xiu song played on a road trip, and I feel the same would happen to Atlas Sound—but this album is perfect when I’m feeling down.
Atlas Sound – “River Card”
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This song has so many great moments of flux: the simple pop drums suddenly sliding under the twinkling vocal section; the sad chorus slipping in with the ooooh-ing echo; the lyrics alternating between sweet and sinister. This song is intoxicating, or rather drugging, and now on high-rotation for me this weekend.
Atlas Sounds – “Bite Marks”
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The lyrics on this track reflect the atmosphere on the rest of the album: erotic and unsettling. It also has a great bass line, which makes it instantly appealing to my ears.
This album has been out for a little while, so there are several really good reviews available (here, here) if you’d like to learn more. Also check out the band’s myspace and blog. And buy the album.
Technorati Tags: Atlas Sound, Xiu Xiu, Ambient, Bradford Cox, Dusted Magazine
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