Album Review: With Love, Evelyn McHale by Atlas

Atlas - With Love, Evelyn McHale 

16 July 2013

Self Released

Rating: 6.7/10

FFO:  Anberlin, Conditions, Balance and Composure

by Joseph Francolino

Atlas' newest release was recorded under the tutelage of Portrait Recording Studio's Chris Badami (best known for his work with The Early November & Hidden in Plain View) and it feels as tho this album pays homage to the era in which those bands began. A few songs even dabble in the practice of inserting audio clips into instrumental parts which is something that was all the rage back in the day but had died out for some time(as it should have) after it became an overused gimmick. A few newer bands have been pioneering the comeback of this such as Their/They're/There and Tiny Moving Parts and the snippets that Atlas use are pretty tasteful and do add to the songs nicely. Mixing Post-hardcore with a modern alt rock sound, they create something to be proud of sonically. 

All the songs are well put together, although on a few the chord changes and melodies tip toe the line of being labeled generic. The bridge of "At least I'm Trying" is a real attention grabber tho, boasting one of the catchiest and most driving vocal parts on this 8 song effort. The semi acoustic track Elevator is a real gem and it is probably the most well crafted song on the record. The vulnerable strumming layered with bendy ambient guitar leads really helps paint the emotional picture the lyrics elude too. As the song builds and the chorus repeats you'll definitely find yourself heavily nodding and singing along. This one even breaks out some interesting extra instrumentation, especially at the end, and its a perfect closing track.

It's clear that Atlas know how to craft a strong song, especially from an instrumental standpoint. The guitars are crunchy and the leads are interesting and tasteful. Nothing is too flashy ,which shows their maturity as writers, but in the end there just isn't enough hooks to keep you coming back for more. This album won't blow you away but it is a solid effort from a band that is on the cusp of breaking through. Definitely check out "At Least I'm Trying" and "Elevator" and expect these fellas to make some waves this year.