boundary waters: Atalanta album review
Boundary Waters
Atalanta
Self Released
October 9th, 2020
My experience with music has been all over the fucking place this year. Everything from free-form, live jazz in the park to late night dance parties, sweating to Carley Rae and Kylie; or even the online stuff like what the Hideout is doing. This is something classically emblematic of the times we’re living in right now.
But if I need to reach back to that strict rock religion I grew up with, the latest album Atalanta, from our friends, Boundary Waters really settles my soul. It’s comfort food for me.
The opening title track, “Atalanta,” gushes dreamlike guitar riffs and lyrics, setting the tone for its namesake record. The song flows near seamlessly into the second track, “Sour Patch,” which pounds through with mathematical accuracy. This is a tenet that is a mainstay on many Boundary Waters tracks, standing close to a prog rock tradition.
“Transients” plays a subtle interlude, flowing delicate soundscapes and sets up “The Sleeping Porch.” When this song kicks in, you’re receiving what I consider to be the best track on the album. At almost six minutes, it’s a great mid-stride track and it carries well into the rest of the record.
“New Name” follows and really drives Boundary Waters’ signature sound home. Andy Brommel’s voice comes through with a melodic echo that beckons through the dark. I saw these guys live once at the Beat Kitchen and I can honestly say that I cannot wait to see this record performed live. Atalanta is more than just prog rock, echoey vox and musical star streams, it’s home. At least for me. It’s definitely worth a few good listens if not more.
“Feral Kind” brings the tempo up slightly and harkens a ‘90s alternative vibe I haven’t heard with such accuracy since, well... the ‘90s. The drum work in this song is so tight. It’s the bow on the top of a nicely wrapped package. But the fun doesn’t stop with “Feral Kind.” There’s a strong instrumental finish on the closing track “Flowering Trees.” We’re talking encore level shit. Be excellent to each other, Wyld Stallyns!
I can’t say this enough, though. Support your local artists. Buy their music, spread positive vibes, and make an effort to keep art alive in these trying times. We’re all in this together. We can do this, folks.