In the note accompanying this CD, a member of Unlucky Atlas referred to the quartet as "all older ex-hardcore kids", though you'd never really know it considering the credited instruments herein are mandolin, six and 12-string guitars (most, if not all, of which are acoustic), fiddle, cello, autoharp, and of course vocals. But don't get the wrong idea, this isn't some weak, folked-out hippie bullshit at all, and in fact the combination of brooding melodies and at times subtly socio-political lyrics can be quite moving/powerful. Seven tracks appear in all, several of which are brief instrumental interludes, with three of the four remaining compositions all topping seven minutes without a second thought, flowing through densely layered instrumentation that crosses some pretty involved ground in terms of interaction between differing instruments/melodies, as well as more sparse and stripped down segments—some of which let some exceptionally awesome vocal work shine through. Both male and female vocals are present at various points, and each singer has a great voice, so I think I'd like to hear them harmonize with one another a bit more often and really milk their talents to some degree. It's pretty damn cool when a band can test the waters like this and come up with something of their own that sounds nothing like their influences, thus coming across as creative and original without losing its musicality or intrigue in a murk of experimentation. It seems to be relatively early on in Unlucky Atlas' recorded history as well, so with time I could envision them really nailing the emotional impact of the already curious niche they're exploring.
The new American century waits and weeps to dream, not all a dream, a new frontier. The wrath of the lamb. Our days among the dead have not passed, tenuous and tense. The giant despair. The forward presence. The wrath of the lamb.
Unlucky Atlas "Numbers"
Oh, and it's also worth mentioning, of course, that this professionally pressed CD-R comes in a great looking chipboard digipack printed in green and metallic silver inks, with a color insert for the lyrics and whatnot. Nicely done.
If you're interested, I'd recommend contacting the band directly via their website or MySpace to inquire about getting your hands on some of their material.
Comments
hey andrew! do you know Dimlaia? I think they are fantastic
10.19.2006 | By Anonymous
i’m digging the versoma track. sort of reminds me of a heavier hammerhead or something. very cool, though, will have to check the rest of the album.
10.20.2006 | By chris
Fucking LOOOOVE the Versoma track. Of all the post-Orchid stuff, this sounds the most full-formed. Interesting dynamics going on…
Is this ex-Saetia too?
10.31.2006 | By No One Here Is Asking