AOTY #8: Real Estate - Atlas

Real Estate's third album Atlas is more of a refinement to their sound put forth on their last effort, Days, than a radical departure. They move forward in a way that the Beach Houses of the world can appreciate. Each album is better than the next, but the base of the sound is essentially the same

Real Estate’s summery guitar-pop vibes are similar to the supremely chill Mac Demarco, whose album Salad Days was our #15 album of the year. It never seems like they’re straining themselves, as if they stumbled upon their own sound. The sonic palate put forth is often classified as “suburb rock”, but they’re a rare band for which that is not an insult, similar to the way labeling The War on Drugs as “dad rock” is just an obvious observation of their influences, rather than the insult it’s intended as. They take these suburban vibes to their pinnacle, and are well aware of the indie rock stigma towards suburbanites. Martin Courtney’s lyrics throughout tell the story of the suburbs and how it feels to return

I cannot come back to this neighborhood
Without feeling my own ageCourtney’s nondescript vocals and cleanly strummed open chords set the stage for Matt Mondanile’s lead guitar, which almost acts as the real voice of the band. The prominence of his guitar in the mix solidifies this idea, similar to Jayson Gercyz’s drumming in Cloud Nothings’ Here and Nowhere Else, our #18 album. His ever simple guitar lines feel instantly familiar, but never plagiarized

“Talking Backwards” is the clear highlight of the album, establishing the suburban setting with a love drama set in a nearby field

When the night was over
And the field was lit up bright
And I walked home with you
Nothing I said came out rightThe reverb tinged songs presented on Atlas are able to succinctly sum up life in the suburbs from someone who has moved away. It feels very safe but something is a little off, something that’s very hard to put a finger on. Real Estate were able to hit that feeling right on the head

- Benjamin R. Swanson

Come back tomorrow for album #7. While you wait, be sure to catch up on the list so far!