Album Review: Picture Atlantic "Kleos"
Picture Atlantic- “Kleos”
[Fuzz.com Exclusive Album Review]
Track listing:
1. Dove in the Clefts of Rock
2. Muses
3. Circe
4. Slip Into the Sea
5. That’s Just Me
6. The Sound of Thoughts in Limbo
7. Anytime- Coats of Armor
8. Dear Anne
9. Cassandra Cast Away- Clytaemnestra
10. Wrapped Up
11. Young Pantheon
12. Air
13. The Softest Picture
14. (hidden track) When We Were Young
Favorite Tracks: Circe, That’s Just Me, Young Pantheon
Skip Over: When We Were Young
When first popping Picture Atlantic’s new album ‘Kleos’ into my CD player the other day, I remembered back to when I first discovered their music. It was when I was really coming into my own as far as music choice and appreciation goes. I was discovering all types of new sounds, bands, and musical genres I had never given a good listen to before, and I loved it. This is also the time period, that I heard music within the San Francisco music scene for the first time. It was indie, yet poppy, with a lot of epic-sounding tunes.
One of the first bands within this new and cool scene that I “uncovered,” was Picture Atlantic. I found their music to be peaceful, tight, and emotional rock. Needless to say, I was anxious to listen to their new tunes.
‘Kleos’ starts out with a first song that’s an anthem; ‘Dove in the Clefts of Rock.’ This track packs strong instrumental melodies that provide a killer sound combo, when accompanied with the calm vocals of Nikolaus Bartunek.
From the anthem-like ‘Dove’, to the next track ‘Muses’, I loved the transition between songs. I liked the fact that ‘Dove’ is a pretty opening song, then goes into the more powerful ‘Muses’, that also happens accompany pretty piano parts. And, 3 minutes into the song, you’re treated with a really good instrumental breakdown.
‘Circe’ is next up on the album, and is definitely a favorite song of mine. I’m a sucker for the drum machine in the beginning, as it gives this song and the band a spunky/fresh new sound I definitely dig; more modern in an album reminiscent of the past.
The next song that pops up is ‘Slip into the Sea.’ It has a beautiful acoustic ditty intro, leading into a fun, toe-tapping chorus and melody, with a somewhat melancholy lyrical message entwined; awesome!
‘That’s Just Me’ is another favorite song of mine off of ‘Kleos.’ It’s jammed-packed with powerful instrumentals, and emotional vocals, making this another gem. And transitioning from emotional power-rock, comes ‘The Sound of Thoughts in Limbo,’ a musical throw-back for me. It takes me back to the late 90’s industrial rock feel, such as Garbage, Deftones, and Orgy. I love the vibe I get from this track.
The next few songs up in rotation are all-in-all a bit slow. I do however, really like these tracks for rainy days, road trips, and as a soundtrack for a break-up. ‘Anytime- Coats of Armor’ is a perfect example of a road-trip song. The shaker and triangle effects in the beginning, gives the listener a good initial vibe that continues on throughout the song. Cruising by the coast-side would be a fitting backdrop for this tune.
‘Dear Anne’ would be up next. Following the peaceful, shaker-filled ‘Anytime,’ is this very slow and even more peaceful ballad. It’s a little whiny for me to be honest, but it is a very pretty song. Good filler for an album, and a good break for a live set. Same goes for ‘Cassandra Cast Away- Clytaemnestra.’ It’s a slow, emotional, pretty song. It’s ambience is again, nice for road-trips and slow days.
The next song is ‘Wrapped Up,’ a song driven by the acoustic guitar. This track, for some odd reason, traces a smile across my face. I hear the emotion coming out of each note played, and each lyric sung. It’s also a great transitional song, tying in ‘Cassandra’ and the next track ‘Young Pantheon’, nicely.
‘Young Pantheon’ is my last favorite track off ‘Kleos.’ The tightness of the dynamics, tempo, and instrumental melody changes are amazing. This song jumps around a lot, but Picture Atlantic takes it on, and nails it. Stops are sharp, and transitions work; all around good song.
The last few songs on this album are another set of slower, epic-sounding tracks. ‘Air’ is definitely one of them, with a soft piano melody throughout, and even softer vocals over top. Its lullaby title of ‘Air’, is sure fitting for the way this song makes you feel; like you’re floating in air. ‘The Softest Picture’ and ‘When We Were Young’, the last two tracks on the album, and follow ‘Air’ suit. ‘Softest Picture’ starts out slow but get’s emotional towards the end. I like the fact that ‘Wwwy’ is dead in the beginning, allowing the listener to let the ending of the previous song to sink in a bit.
As the album came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel complete serenity. The combination of powerful rock anthems, piano ballads, and emotional lyrical melodies, created a demeanor of tranquility and peace for me. These guys have something unique and special about them as a band, their sound, and the way they combine the two. It’s a quality only found in driven individuals, and a trait only held by difference bands. I believe that if Picture Atlantic wanted to be the next big thing, and create radio hits left and right, they could.
But, I like that PA is a band who plays what they like, yet still create a universal sound in their own way. Not conforming to any musical status-quo, Picture Atlantic provides listeners with music that’s fresh, a bit different, and obtains a whole lot of style.
Be sure catch Picture Atlantic perform live June 20th in Morgan Hill, and pick up a copy of ‘Kleos’ while you’re there; out June 20th!
*For more show, CD, and band information, Goat to: PictureAtlantic.Fuzz.com
[Fuzz.com Exclusive Album Review]
Track listing:
1. Dove in the Clefts of Rock
2. Muses
3. Circe
4. Slip Into the Sea
5. That’s Just Me
6. The Sound of Thoughts in Limbo
7. Anytime- Coats of Armor
8. Dear Anne
9. Cassandra Cast Away- Clytaemnestra
10. Wrapped Up
11. Young Pantheon
12. Air
13. The Softest Picture
14. (hidden track) When We Were Young
Favorite Tracks: Circe, That’s Just Me, Young Pantheon
Skip Over: When We Were Young
When first popping Picture Atlantic’s new album ‘Kleos’ into my CD player the other day, I remembered back to when I first discovered their music. It was when I was really coming into my own as far as music choice and appreciation goes. I was discovering all types of new sounds, bands, and musical genres I had never given a good listen to before, and I loved it. This is also the time period, that I heard music within the San Francisco music scene for the first time. It was indie, yet poppy, with a lot of epic-sounding tunes.
One of the first bands within this new and cool scene that I “uncovered,” was Picture Atlantic. I found their music to be peaceful, tight, and emotional rock. Needless to say, I was anxious to listen to their new tunes.
‘Kleos’ starts out with a first song that’s an anthem; ‘Dove in the Clefts of Rock.’ This track packs strong instrumental melodies that provide a killer sound combo, when accompanied with the calm vocals of Nikolaus Bartunek.
From the anthem-like ‘Dove’, to the next track ‘Muses’, I loved the transition between songs. I liked the fact that ‘Dove’ is a pretty opening song, then goes into the more powerful ‘Muses’, that also happens accompany pretty piano parts. And, 3 minutes into the song, you’re treated with a really good instrumental breakdown.
‘Circe’ is next up on the album, and is definitely a favorite song of mine. I’m a sucker for the drum machine in the beginning, as it gives this song and the band a spunky/fresh new sound I definitely dig; more modern in an album reminiscent of the past.
The next song that pops up is ‘Slip into the Sea.’ It has a beautiful acoustic ditty intro, leading into a fun, toe-tapping chorus and melody, with a somewhat melancholy lyrical message entwined; awesome!
‘That’s Just Me’ is another favorite song of mine off of ‘Kleos.’ It’s jammed-packed with powerful instrumentals, and emotional vocals, making this another gem. And transitioning from emotional power-rock, comes ‘The Sound of Thoughts in Limbo,’ a musical throw-back for me. It takes me back to the late 90’s industrial rock feel, such as Garbage, Deftones, and Orgy. I love the vibe I get from this track.
The next few songs up in rotation are all-in-all a bit slow. I do however, really like these tracks for rainy days, road trips, and as a soundtrack for a break-up. ‘Anytime- Coats of Armor’ is a perfect example of a road-trip song. The shaker and triangle effects in the beginning, gives the listener a good initial vibe that continues on throughout the song. Cruising by the coast-side would be a fitting backdrop for this tune.
‘Dear Anne’ would be up next. Following the peaceful, shaker-filled ‘Anytime,’ is this very slow and even more peaceful ballad. It’s a little whiny for me to be honest, but it is a very pretty song. Good filler for an album, and a good break for a live set. Same goes for ‘Cassandra Cast Away- Clytaemnestra.’ It’s a slow, emotional, pretty song. It’s ambience is again, nice for road-trips and slow days.
The next song is ‘Wrapped Up,’ a song driven by the acoustic guitar. This track, for some odd reason, traces a smile across my face. I hear the emotion coming out of each note played, and each lyric sung. It’s also a great transitional song, tying in ‘Cassandra’ and the next track ‘Young Pantheon’, nicely.
‘Young Pantheon’ is my last favorite track off ‘Kleos.’ The tightness of the dynamics, tempo, and instrumental melody changes are amazing. This song jumps around a lot, but Picture Atlantic takes it on, and nails it. Stops are sharp, and transitions work; all around good song.
The last few songs on this album are another set of slower, epic-sounding tracks. ‘Air’ is definitely one of them, with a soft piano melody throughout, and even softer vocals over top. Its lullaby title of ‘Air’, is sure fitting for the way this song makes you feel; like you’re floating in air. ‘The Softest Picture’ and ‘When We Were Young’, the last two tracks on the album, and follow ‘Air’ suit. ‘Softest Picture’ starts out slow but get’s emotional towards the end. I like the fact that ‘Wwwy’ is dead in the beginning, allowing the listener to let the ending of the previous song to sink in a bit.
As the album came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel complete serenity. The combination of powerful rock anthems, piano ballads, and emotional lyrical melodies, created a demeanor of tranquility and peace for me. These guys have something unique and special about them as a band, their sound, and the way they combine the two. It’s a quality only found in driven individuals, and a trait only held by difference bands. I believe that if Picture Atlantic wanted to be the next big thing, and create radio hits left and right, they could.
But, I like that PA is a band who plays what they like, yet still create a universal sound in their own way. Not conforming to any musical status-quo, Picture Atlantic provides listeners with music that’s fresh, a bit different, and obtains a whole lot of style.
Be sure catch Picture Atlantic perform live June 20th in Morgan Hill, and pick up a copy of ‘Kleos’ while you’re there; out June 20th!
*For more show, CD, and band information, Goat to: PictureAtlantic.Fuzz.com
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