Atlas Genius - Inanimate Objects

Atlas Genius
Inanimate Objects
2015

Following up When It Was Now especially the track "Trojans" was always going to be an uphill battle. The highly successful album from Atlas Genius not only spawned a few hits, but the remixes by highly influential friends permeated hype machine and other blogs. Inanimate Objects however may be just the right move. The synth heavy alt-pop-rock style is still there perfectly bringing in just the right amount of 80s funk and 90s despair. This record lyrically takes a darker turn, allowing the Aussie duo really get into it rather than just create something because something needed to be created. The first two tracks "The Stone Mill" and "Molecules" follow the same high energy style that they are known for and sets a tone where Atlas Genius can pivot either slower or faster depending on where they want the album to go. The one thing that comes across on this record is the palpable live feel. The band made a conscious decision to bring the high energy live show they are known for on to a record and they really have done it. The album flows like a live show keeping the energy high and making seamless transitions almost daring the listener to pick out a single from a work where there should not be one.

When Atlas tries to pull the energy back is when the usually misstep. "Friends With Enemies" is one of the weaker tracks on the record and it just happens to be the slowest. It is not that the song sounds bad, it is just on this record an onslaught of energy is what you want and the reprieve doesn't help the album. What is very exciting about this record is the potential remixes down the road. "Trojans" got so many amazing re-works and there are many tracks on here that have the bones to do the same. "The City We Grow" in particular, an ode to 80s epics, soars with both synth and guitar runs that rival Tears for Fears or The Cure. The album does seem to lose steam towards the end and finishes on a whimper rather than a roar which is unfortunate. However Inanimate Objects is a really stellar album so go check it out and see what you think.

8.7 out of 10