Album Review: So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously // Atmosphere
Atmosphere have been on the scene for a few years, crafting songs about brotherhood and family. On their new album, “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously”, there is a darker magic at work.
This album is full of relaxed and chilled beats from Ant, staying inventive. In particular, the guitar in “Sterling”, which contrasts with the aggressive drums. You think that everything’ll be okay on the opener “Okay”, with its positive summer best. But as it goes on, you sense the fear in the lyrics. I love the organic approach in “Dotted Lines”, but lyrically it deals with internal pressures “I never stepped in line to be the next in line / don’t let the operator come and disconnect your lines / keep it rolling even if you forget your lines ”
The pressures of internal masking, he then says, “I love it when people colour outside of the lines,” shows someone who embraces diversity. This is absolutely empowering, and a quarter of the way through and the listener feels strength in the lyrics. Somewhere in the darkness, there’s hope. We’re halfway through, and the beats by Ant take you on a journey. The soft ambience of “September Fools Day” alongside the paranoia of “It Happened Last Morning”, there is so much cathartic energy in this. This is a journey that comes from the heart: “I wanna be invited to a party like you know me” that lyric is relatable. Also, the refrain of “don’t ever die” encourages you to keep on living and doing your own thing.
“Talk Talk” has a big slice of Gorillaz influence, which is fine. I do t think it fits the album. I respect it for its eclectic beat, but it disrupts the flow. What works better is the dreamy reggae influenced “Holding My Breath”; it brings a dreamy atmosphere, same with “Still Life”, featuring Murkage Dave. This brings to mind one of Tyler the Creator’s recent music. The synths are absolutely wonderful, alongside the chilled out jazzy guitars. I think this is one of my favourite songs on the album.
“Bigger Picture” is a phenomenal track, which is in a minor key. It’s a slow and emotional song that sums up the vulnerable lyrics.
This album was a journey, and its relatability will strike a chord with many people. A great find.
https://open.spotify.com/album/53XBQTnSMEgTmsFkU3fz2i?si=XFqPjk8-RW-mpHjS7V1tMg
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos