Album Review: Tom Morello - The Atlas Underground

Tom Morello still rages, and in terms of its scope, sound and sheer energy, this release is another corker. The album features some great collaborators, and with each song, Morello takes a slightly different tack.

Opener Battle Sirens (feat Knife Party) roars, soars and then drops that beat; while Rabbit’s Revenge (feat Bassnectar, Big Boi, and Killer Mike) is a more traditional, and rightfully angry piece about Ferguson and (sadly) the rest. Single We Don’t Need You (feat Vic Mensa) is the anthemic protest genre at its best; while the stripped back Find Another Way (feat Marcus Mumford) crosses between genres to leave space for some wonderfully eerie vocals and weeping guitar. If you’re craving some more electro-distortion then the fantastic How Long (feat Steve Aoki and Tim McIlrath) will delight, while heavier rock fans should check out Vigilante Nocturno (feat Carl Restivo) to wet their head-banging whistles. The sound of full-blown pop almost takes over at times with Where It’s At Ain’t What It Is, complete with a very singable, "You can’t hold me down," chorus. To end GZA, RZA, and Herobust join Morello for Lead Poisoning – another undeniable anti-gun, race-informed plea. As sonic flares rise like police sirens, hip hop moves closer to EDM, but to great effect.

An incredible collection.