The Beginning of a New Phase - Step Inside, Atlas Rise

Atlas Rise is one of the most mental bands I've ever known (in the best way) because of two things: the production quality of all of their content, and how well that quality translates to their live work - especially when there's only two of them! These guys pump out a massive amount of content considering they've only been releasing things for a year, and I think that's a major reason that this new single has been doing amazingly since it came out a couple weeks ago. With all that said, I think it's about time we step inside this track!

Let's start with the composition of the song. This arrangement of different counter-melodies and riffs all weave between each other so well, my favourite of which has to be the vocal riff that comes in and out, which is built upon each time with a different leading line - it brings in a sense of calm before immediately smashing you with that CHUNKY instrumental riff section. Speaking of the riff, I love that it's so simple and yet so impactful - the silence with the single snare hit before the first time round is so effective at snapping me back into the song every time just as soon as I start relaxing, and when it all kicks in, I physically cannot sit still - the stank face is on, the head is bopping, and I'm completely locked into the track. When considering the style of the song, it would be safe to assume that the key would be minor, and yet the riff starts with going to the MAJOR THIRD?! - completely threw me in the best way.

Other shining parts of the song are the drum fills in that final chorus - it really elevates the whole section, which I didn't think was possible before hearing. Lou's vocals are STUNNING and layered perfectly, and I love the electronic elements peppering the background - it really fills the space.

I think the main thing that sets this track apart from their past is the mix, for sure. This production quality is sky-high - just what I'd expect from Lou, considering every time I see him, he's hunched over his laptop, working on the next steps for this band. Every single element within the mix has its place, and they've managed to avoid any muddy lows, which is hard to do within this genre. Also I have to give credit to the incredible Tom Cory, who mastered the track.

Taking a slight tangent, I love that this song perfectly lines up with their visual identity. When you take a look at this poster for their next gig on April 22nd (click the photo for tickets), you can see that this lighting and the choice of colours fit the style of this single. That might just be a link that I personally make, but it still counts!

Overall, I'm absolutely here for this new electronic, rhythm-heavy route they're going down - it feels like they're taking that big leap into their own unique identity, and I can't wait to see them expand on this. This single is going straight on my gym playlist, for sure.