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There seems to be an upward arc to Real Estate’s work thus far. Each individual album has grown from the last, not only in the songwriting but also in achieving their distinct sound. While 2011’s Days remains their defining work, their newest effort, Atlas exposes a sharper band with heavier writing/arranging chops that no longer need to bury things in the mix. The LP not only delivers on Real Estate’s Felt promises but also benefits from repeated listens with truly refined and original six string work from Martin Courtney and Matt Mondanile. Highlights include: the assured lead off track, “Had to Hear”, the sleeping brilliance of “Past Lives”, the upbeat single, “Talking Backwards”, and the exemplary “Crimes.”
Things do take a slower turn towards the back of the album, even introducing some slight twang never heard from the band before. This willingness to grow on record, along with their move to a simpler yet still perfectly adorned sound, shows Real Estate aren’t going anywhere and continue to have much to offer. Atlas maturely reveals a band refining the indefinable thing that they do better than anyone else.
