By Logan Schlossberg
Staff Writer
Atmosphere is back from their recent tour with a new album, “The Family Sign,” on which the group delves into deeply personal and often dark subject matter with success.
Atmosphere is a hip-hop ensemble that consists of rapper/vocalist Slug (Sean Daley) and producer Ant (Anthony Davis). The group has been active in various forms since 1989, making them one of the most long-lived independent hip hop artists.
Atmosphere’s new album is a complex, emotional collection of tracks that is much more sober than some past releases. This new direction is an entirely welcome one. The ensemble is experimenting and finding new ways of putting its talents to the test.
Slug has a skill for storytelling that comes through on “The Family Sign.” In the song “The Last To Say,” listeners are introduced to a chilling story about spousal abuse. Slug’s talent puts his audience in the midst of the story rather than simply giving them an outside view. This personal aspect to the album helps listeners develop a strong emotional connection to the music.
“Became” is another song in which listeners are immediately drawn into Slug’s storytelling. In this track, though, Slug is much less specific with his lyrics, which allows listeners their own interpretation of what he is describing and, ultimately, relate better to it.
“The Family Sign” is tonally complex compared to past Atmosphere releases. For instance, one of the few songs that is somewhat upbeat is “Just For Show.” Its organs and guitars immediately give listeners the idea that this song is bubbly and bright, but Slug’s sarcastic vocals tell a deeply emotional and somewhat dark story.
With every album there’s bound to be a misstep or two. “She’s Enough” is a reprieve from the sad tone of the album, but the production of the song as a whole is sloppy– for instance, its hook is too off-beat.
“Bad Bad Daddy” is also a disappointment. It fits with the overall “family” theme of the album, but it is much less thoughtful than the rest of the songs on the album. In it, Slug describes a horrible father. It is tolerable to begin with, but the chorus leaves listeners longing to change the song.
The album quickly gets back on track with the song “Who I’ll Never Be,” where Slug takes listeners through an unforgettable tale of unrequited love. “Something So” is a thematically complex track about Slug not being able to “lift his voice to something so beautiful.”
The previous Atmosphere release, “To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy,” contained a track called “The Loser Wins.” “Your Name Here” from “The Family Sign” seems to parallel it. This continuity lets fans see just how much the ensemble has grown.
“Your Name Here” is about Slug’s run in with an old friend mentioned in the song “The Loser Wins.” After time to cool off from the emotional situation brought up in “The Loser Wins,” Slug handles the encounter with maturity. This reflects the new and thoughtful direction “The Family Sign”takes the ensemble in.
“The Family Sign” is one of Atmosphere’s heavier, deeper, more emotional albums. With it, Slug and Ant once again set themselves up for what will be an amazing tour and many satisfied listeners.
“The Family Sign” is available on iTunes and Amazon and wherever music is sold.
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