Atlas Genius
When It Was Now
Release Date: Feb 19, 2013
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Electronic
Record label: Warner Bros.
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Album Review: When It Was Now by Atlas Genius
Very Good, Based on 3 Critics
Based on rating 5/5
On their debut – and especially the lead single, "Trojans" – these two Australian brothers deliver Phoenix-like dance pop that's so big on airy hooks that its lyrical lightheadedness isn't too much of a problem. On a couple of tracks, including the synth-y, breathy "Electric," the wide-striding beats, slick melodies and skyward vocals even call to mind a certain other disco-friendly family band from Down Under. .
Based on rating 7/10
Atlas Genius first came to attention with "Trojans," and it's easy to hear why this song -- which the band recorded in their own studio -- became a hit: it's glossy but earnest, pairing a familiar-sounding melody with subtly changing guitars and keyboards that weave in and out between Keith Jeffery's vocals. "Trojans" is also the best song on Atlas Genius' full-length debut When It Was Now, largely because its songwriting is so direct and intimate. That strength sets them apart from many of their contemporaries, who helped make the mix of chugging guitars and sparkling synths nigh-on ubiquitous by the time When It Was Now arrived.
Based on rating D
Atlas Genius fell into one of those dream, internet-age situations with their first single, “Trojans”. They gained popularity from music blogs, which quickly launched them into record deals and TV appearances. Now, nearly two years after that first single was released, they have their debut full-length, When It Was Now— a synth-fueled, uneven ’80s effort with flickers of promise.
'When It Was Now'
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