Links:
Atlas Sound on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/atlassound
kranky: http://www.kranky.net/

Atlas Sound starts out like an even more tormented Smog that’s been bent out of shape. Emerging with space bleeps that dominate the forefront with acoustic dribblings “The Light That Failed” is a clear demonstration of a disjointed figure as Bradford Cox sings out of tune. Whether on purpose or a lack of vocal skill, these twinkling sci-fi meanderings unwillingly take a seat in the background as Cox steps forward, breaking free from the introverted style that left us with Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel.

It’s a less than appealing beginning to Logos but things get a little better with the Spaceman 3-like guitar interchange on “An Orchid” and the spaced-out orbiting samples that flow in and out of “Kid Klimax,” as well as the title track.

Cox collaborates with various people, including Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox and Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier. That alone would make anyone want to pick up the album with curiosity, and each song is equally observant in the context of the whole, but I am only talking about a small sample of the album.

The rest is conducted with bedside manner and stretched into lo-fi quantities. Normally that would be a great thing, but Cox tries to incorporate the three-minute pop concept into his ethereal acoustic serenades like “Sheila” and “My Halo” but in the end, it feels like he cannot even pull himself up off the floor and make promising recordings. It would be better if he just went off the deep end with his music, but, alas, bending the fabric of pop culture wins. When it comes down to it, stick to instrumentals and save yourself the humility.