Atlas

I bought Atlas on a whim, after hearing killer first single "Talking Backwards" incessantly upon release. Before my vinyl copy arrived, though, I managed to listen to the full album on Youtube -- an experience that got me thinking whether I've made the right decision or not. For one, there's the lack of upbeat pop songs. "Talking Backwards" aside, there's nothing like "It's Real" or "Easy" here, no tunes that will immediately catch your attention. And there's that feeling of melancholy that permeates most of the music and lyrics -- as if leader Martin Courtney has decided to make an album with "Green Aisles" as its main template. But then I realized that this might not be a bad thing after all. I have to admit that I got bored with "It's Real" and "Easy" fairly quickly, while "Green Aisles" (and other mid-tempo, lyrically-reflective numbers on second album Days) managed to stick around on my playlist longer and eventually became the songs that define that album for me. The good news is -- while mid-tempo seems to be the order of the day -- I found out that, upon further listens, Courtney actually managed to crank up his songwriting skills a couple of notches. Just because most of the songs aren't upbeat doesn't mean they're no longer pop songs. The hooks are there, you just have to really listen before -- in Courtney's own words -- "all will be revealed". And "listen" becomes another keyword in describing my Atlas experience. Real Estate has never sounded so pristine, so crisp and so clear than they are in this album. (A note to the sceptic: "pristine" doesn't necessarily equal "polished".) This enables me to listen -- and, in turn, appreciate -- sonic details like Alex Bleeker's melodic basslines, drummer Jackson Pollis' subtle yet addictive cymbal hits, and, more importantly since we're reviewing a guitar pop album, the interplay between Courtney's rhythm guitar and Matt Mondanile's leads (which reminds me a lot of the twin jangle cranked out by guitarists Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte on Morrissey's Vauxhall & I LP). So yeah, thumbs up must also be given to producer/engineer Tom Schick (Wilco) for all this aural bliss. A couple of words on the vinyl version: it's great! Pressed on high quality 180 gram vinyl, with excellent separation between instruments (Atlas is of those few guitar-driven albums that actually sounds great on headphones) and no audible surface noise.

I just discovered the indie rock band Real Estate after hearing them on KTAOS. My son recommended Atlas. It does not disappoint. My favorite songs are "Had to Hear" and "Navigator." Matt is a natural on guitar and Martin's melancholy voice adds depth to the songs. Alex's bass is fantastic. The music of this band brings me so much joy and the songs are playing in mind constantly. Do yourself a favor and buy Atlas!

Where do I begin with this album...It is one of the most shockingly great albums I've stumbled upon. The sound of this album compared to Real Estate's previous efforts shows a heightening level of musicianship. It's clear in this album that the band is coming together more and more with each album and this album hits the nail on the head with what makes a great album. It's consistent, natural, smooth, precise, nostalgic, emotive and so sincere. There are so many beautiful subtleties within 'Atlas' that allow for repeated listens. I love this album so much. Play this album any time you wish to feel calm and enjoy your surroundings. It's such a gem.

This album is fantastic. We certainly have not seen the beginning of the end of Real Estate, though I personally believe that Days was a better album as a whole. Wonder Years is one of my absolute favorite songs (though incidentally was not very good live), but there is some gold on this album as well. Talking Backwards, being the teaser single, will certainly be stuck in your head all day!

If you close your eyes and listen to this cd it makes you think of throwing the windows open on the first nice day of spring. The warm sun, still a cool crisp bite to the air, a quiet breeze and birds singing...ok a little to dramatic? It is a wonderfully melodic and uplifting selection of music. If you are looking to "rock out" look elsewhere, if you want something easy to listen to while relaxing, working, or running this may be the one you're looking for. Enjoy!

I listened the the riff on "Crime" and immediately texted my girlfriend like, "LISTEN TO THIS TONE! IT'S SO PRETTY." She agrees. So if you like pretty guitars then you have to buy this. The bummer, though, is that I buy physical copies of albums, because I like the pictures and lyrics and actually HOLDING a disc in my hands. Ya know? I just like that. But the packaging from Real Estate was pretty weak. No booklet with lyrics or anything. So pretty guitars and pretty weak packaging. The music is awesome though.

I just found out about this band after surfing around Pitchfork. I don't usually trust their reviews, but I always check out their top rated albums. This was one of them, so I checked it out. I instantly enjoyed this album. The sound almost sounds generic, but it isn't at all if that makes any sense. All the guitar melodies are very unique, and keep you interested the whole time. Favorite song is probably Crime

I'd never heard any Real Estate before getting this CD. I saw a favorable review and it sounded like something I'd like, so I bought it. Good decision. No, strike that. Excellent decision. From the first chord of the first song, you can hear this band is made up of good musicians, and the production quality is great. The songs are filled with nice, light hooks that aren't overused. The best comparison I can come up with is to the band Ivy. They don't sound alike, but I'd wager that anyone who likes Ivy would like this CD. This is one I'm going to listen to over and over.

USのバンドの3枚目の作品。彼等の持ち味であるゆったりとした、捻りのあるソングライティングは健在どころか、ますますみがきがかかっています。全10曲ですが、どの曲も各々に素晴らしいです。よい曲沢山の傑作です。最終曲NavigatorではクラリネットでJulian Lynchが参加してます。

Amazon siempre garantia de que el disco va a llegar bien. De la banda. Una delicia a los oidos

PLEASE AMAZON USE MORE PACKAGING LIKE THE SAFE CARDBOARD PROTECTORS FOR VINYLS! IM TIRED OF THE JUST LOOSE IN THE BOX!!!! THESE CARDBOARD PROTECTORS FOR LPS WERE GREAT!

What a fantastic, uplifting, lilting and generally feel good LP. Every year it gets to spring and i really fancy a soundtrack to while away the days - i thought it might have been Beck's Morning Phase - but whilst it is great, it lacks the hook to drive along the M4 to! This release has lovely guitar notes, gently hazy singing, but also enough energy to turn your head. Teh influences are obviously deep and wide - but not in the retrograde 'Yuck' way - instead we get a whisper of very early REM, a hint of 'Surf's Up', and little taste of 'Bandwagonesque all mixed in with a wash of 'Van Occupanther' hooks. Listen to it on Spotify first, but buy the LP - beutifully housed in an embossed gatefold sleeve with a great little postcard and a download. Soundtrack to the Summer.

La musique que j’aime....