Album Review: Atlas Genius - When It Was Now

For a band from a country that is currently a forerunner in the promotion and success of independent music, Atlas Genius have slipped under the radar in their homeland. Selling out shows in the United States, Canada and even in Central and South America, these fellas are by no means small players, and given the sort of quality music they have produced, it is very surprising that their debut, When It Was Now, is not a huge favourite among the triple j demographic.

This album is a formidable amalgamation of just the sort of '60s- and '70s-inspired psych/pop rock that's currently quite popular among Australia's Generation Y (at an educated guess from a quick look at the most successful tracks on the js this week). Throughout July these boys will be touring Australia, so hopefully that gains them (more than) a few well-deserved and faithful fans. The album they will be showcasing is highly danceable, most certainly, and easily listenable and in all a very well compiled bunch of songs. Opener Electric grabs the sensory attention straight away and the catchy hooks never cease to do the same, while Trojan is the favourite of the overseas masses, having blown up on the internet, and with good reason.

Indeed, the overseas acclaim would have no doubt created pressure to produce more music right away, demands which would have caused less stubborn musicians and producers to cave and try and release an album right away to capitalise on the success. Fortunately for us these boys did not. It was a long wait for the debut album, but so very worth it.