Atlasby Real Estate

Real Estate's "Atlas" took me back to a different era in music. I was immediately impressed by their original sound that seemed vaguely familiar at the same time. There are elements of 60's pop here, as well as influences from the mid- 80's underground. I hear The Byrds, R/E/M/, The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, and Jefferson Airplane here. Vocalist Martin Courtney's smooth delivery is soothing and warm. His lyrics are plain spoken and straight forward. He writes as if speaking to an old friend. The songs are nor much of a departure from previous work. Perhaps a bit more complex in places, but always present and relevant. The first song "Had To Hear" has a nice opening riff that recalls their previous album and sets a nice tone for the rest of the album. It sort of sets the table for the oncoming meal you might say. The instrumental "April's Song" is a marvelous interlude about mid way through the record. It reminds me of a lazy afternoon. The Song "Crime" reminds me a bit of the song "Big Me" by the Foo Fighters. Nice electric guitar throughout that one! I don't know how popular Real estate are in their home country- probably huge I would suspect. But I do hope they get more exposure here in the US where I feel there is a large audience that could really appreciate their musical direction and plain, every man feel that is instantly relatable.