progressive rock / post-metal
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I live in Belgium, a country with very, very, very little to be proud of. Our politicians are corrupt, our own army invades our major cities, the weather is either too warm, too cold or too rainy, our popular music culture is guided by children's music and not a single soul can decently drive a car. Luckily there is one thing we can and should be proud of: our alternative music scene. We spawned some of the most influential bands in the world, dEUS, AmenRa, Front242... Be proud of that!!!
And be proud of Atmospheres as well because they have just delivered one of the best pieces of progressive rock inspired music our country has ever heard. These youngsters have been walking on this path since late 2012. Some years later the released their promising debut and now they come with an awe-inspiring follow-up in 'Departure'. If this doesn't takes these guys to the big European festivals, I will lose my faith in the music industry.
The most important aspects of Atmosphere's music seem to be dynamics, atmosphere and quality. Influenced by progressive rock, post-rock/metal and ambient, they have come up with a number of blissful anthems, reminding me of something between Anathema, Oceansize, Porcupine Tree, Slowdive, Tool and Explosions In The Sky. I could add more bands but that wouldn't do this album much good since this quartet clearly found their own niche.
The majority of the tracks on 'Departure' are elaborate anthems with strong dynamic drums, hypnotic keyboards and a stunning wall-of-sound, created by the guitars. When appropriate, vocals are added and they fit perfectly with the immersive music, adding a high-level touch of emotion to the whole. On the other hand, these guys definitely know how to make beautiful, soothing music too and alternate that with massive sonic outbursts.
What makes this album so special, is the high level of production and professionalism. Apart from the strong songwriting, these elements give the whole an international sound, a bit like some of those huge arena rock bands you see these days. And that's exactly the place where this music should be present in 2016, big venues, huge festivals and sometimes an intimate set in, let's say, my living room. Watch out for these guys, they're coming...
Serge
And be proud of Atmospheres as well because they have just delivered one of the best pieces of progressive rock inspired music our country has ever heard. These youngsters have been walking on this path since late 2012. Some years later the released their promising debut and now they come with an awe-inspiring follow-up in 'Departure'. If this doesn't takes these guys to the big European festivals, I will lose my faith in the music industry.
The most important aspects of Atmosphere's music seem to be dynamics, atmosphere and quality. Influenced by progressive rock, post-rock/metal and ambient, they have come up with a number of blissful anthems, reminding me of something between Anathema, Oceansize, Porcupine Tree, Slowdive, Tool and Explosions In The Sky. I could add more bands but that wouldn't do this album much good since this quartet clearly found their own niche.
The majority of the tracks on 'Departure' are elaborate anthems with strong dynamic drums, hypnotic keyboards and a stunning wall-of-sound, created by the guitars. When appropriate, vocals are added and they fit perfectly with the immersive music, adding a high-level touch of emotion to the whole. On the other hand, these guys definitely know how to make beautiful, soothing music too and alternate that with massive sonic outbursts.
What makes this album so special, is the high level of production and professionalism. Apart from the strong songwriting, these elements give the whole an international sound, a bit like some of those huge arena rock bands you see these days. And that's exactly the place where this music should be present in 2016, big venues, huge festivals and sometimes an intimate set in, let's say, my living room. Watch out for these guys, they're coming...
Serge