Listening to the new Real Estate album elicits the feeling of longing for bygone summer day moments of serene beauty tinged with just a little sadness. “Atlas” is noticeably darker and more introspective than the effortless ambiance of its predecessor, 2011’s “Days.” The Suburban New Jersey natives excel at creating lush spaces, immersing the listener in reverb–drenched guitar chords and laid–back rhythms. These serene landscapes are punctuated by Matt Mondanile’s fluid guitar licks and Martin Courtney’s airy vocals. Despite being neither overly complex nor experimental, “Atlas” is populated with diverse soundscapes. Lead Single, “Talking Backwards,” stands out for its jangling guitars and catchy chorus, whereas “The Bend” is notable for its swirling, surreal outro.
Grade: A–
Download: “The Bends”
Sounds best when: Reminiscing about summer warmth
