ALBUM REVIEW: Dawn Chorus – Blank Atlas
Bristolian alternative trio BLANK ATLAS have gathered considerable traction since their inception, with EPs Solitude and Canvas earning them opportunities to share the stage with the likes of PUPPY and HOLDING ABSENCE. Citing their material as suitable for fans of both MCFLY and MESHUGGAH, the band have just recently unveiled their debut full-length Dawn Chorus. Have they hit the mark?
Dawn opens proceedings with peaceful, calming tones and a building sense of momentum that segues straight into the uplifting melodies of Flawless. There is a distinct punchy vibrancy surrounding this track; from the enticing layered vocal work to the powerful shifts in energy it sets a promising tone for what may follow. Better Off Dead provides a dramatic but captivating soundscape that is supplemented by a crunchy heaviness and snappy hooks. The chorus also possesses an anthemic quality which bursts into life in impressive fashion as the closing sequence gives a glimpse of the band’s darker edges.
Problems is a certified roof raiser. The sheer catchiness is like a shot of pure adrenaline which demands to be played live – ridiculous levels of replayability. Beautiful Morning is significantly different by comparison, instead offering up a wave of chilled escapism. The laidback tempo and emotive sentiments are full of catharsis. This Mountain bares its teeth with an exhilarating yet frantic round of slick riffing. Grooves aplenty make their presence felt and it’s definitely one of the standout tracks thus far. Just in case some require clarification South Of Heaven is in fact not a cover from a certain band of Californian thrash icons, but a particularly heartfelt effort crammed with sublime drum work and impassioned lyrical passages.
32a is a short, sweet, and rough acoustic interlude which tees up West Park. Whilst solid in composition, sadly this song doesn’t bring the same level of allure as its counterparts and feels, on the whole, rather forgettable. Eat Thy Neighbour on the other hand arrives harbouring confidence in abundance with its emphatic instrumentation and unpredictable shifts in pacing. The aggression is cleverly combined with flourishes of melody to keep you on your toes.
Surrender changes the narrative with a gentle and elegant track that allows for a moment to catch your breath after what has just unfolded. Its blissful demeanour effortlessly whisks you away into tranquility. Wash Away creates a dynamic mixture of styles, from sharp surges and intricate drum beats to soaring vocal lines that glide into your airwaves, there is a lot to appreciate in this piece. Give Up brings this release to a close with a solemn, minimalist approach that initially washes over you with its peaceful manner but soon becomes abruptly perplexing. Experimental tinkering threatens to ruin the flow of what was poised to be a subtle, fulfilling conclusion. If you can overlook this intrusion the remaining moments are still a true joy to behold.
BLANK ATLAS have evidently got a firm grip on their identity, not afraid to flick that switch to a higher gear when the need arises. Dawn Chorus, for the most part, is a fantastic journey of styles and sensations that keeps offering up surprises as it progresses. They don’t rest for too long in a particular space and that is what makes this release so intriguing. A proficient introduction into the realms of Long Play.
Rating: 8/10
Dawn Chorus is available now via self-release.
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