Taking three years to record, mix and produce, alternative rock/pop outfit, Atomic Tom bring a whopper of a release with their latest offering, ERA. Creating a record themselves surely wasn’t easy, however the passion and optimistic tunes that are on this record are sterling. With the band residing from Brooklyn, New York, it’s safe to say they were highly driven and easily inspired for ERA, making it one of the best releases I have come across this year.
Capturing a wanderlust feel, “Now or Never” is driven by a powerful introduction with its guitar sequence. It’s an energetic track that brings life to the start of the record with frontman Luke White bursting with feeling as he sings the lyric “cause I don’t wanna wait, it’s now or never”. Empowering and upbeat, there’s clear influences made from the likes of Rooney and a tinge of Carolina Liar, making it a strong opening track.
It’s invigorating to listen to “1978”, a powerful and enthusiastic anthem. With its uplifting lyrics, it’s a song that has a positive message behind it – that there’s no use looking back at the things we regret and that life has more moments we can cherish.
The use of alternative rock and pop elements bring a great vibe to the record with the band keeping things simple through their genuine words of wisdom. It brings songs that aren’t preachy with its optimism, delivering a strong message of cocooning our past by spreading our wings and embracing the inevitable changes that happen in our lives.
Considering the band mixed and produced this entire record themselves, it’s impressive to see such loving chemistry in their musicianship. With the raw guitar solos and the strong build-ups in “Touch”, there’s underrated beauty in their instrumentation. The harmony that comes from “Music Makes the Heart Grow Stronger” offers a catchy chorus; one that is fun and heart-warming. With a choir of voices, it brings a lovely atmosphere to the table with the lyric “anything is possible, music makes the heart grow stronger”. The piano adds creativity with its soft touch in contemporary elements, stemming from bands like The Fray and The Script. It’s their way of making a meaningful and encouraging song to get through a tough day.
There’s also different interludes that create such a compelling connection between the tracks, making the record flow at its best. Each interlude track, (“Prologue”, “Transmission – Message 1138″ and Epilogue”), has its purpose by intertwining the stories that unfold in the tracks, making the record feel more meaningful and empowering – like reading a book you simply can’t put down.
Atomic Tom have officially created an inspiring and timeless record. With their songs bringing a welcoming atmosphere, there’s beauty that graces from all corners in ERA. The band have proven that music has a way of lifting the spirits of other people, making this record something worth smiling about.
Review Score: 9.0 out of 10
ERA is available now and can be streamed and purchased HERE
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