1’s a Man, 3’s a Band
Atom Son of Man
Atom Son of Man presents a dynamic and erratic mix of tracks that blend garage rock influences. 1’s a man, 3’s a band kicks off with an intense and urgent feel in the title track, and the driving breaks set the stage for what’s to come. The album is characterized by raw guitar riffs, noise rock grittiness, and a stripped-down sound.
If you like… bluesy influences, smoking Camels, and growly vocals you will like their song “Vengeful Vulture”.
If you like… key lime pie, Queens of the Stone Age, and a stripped-down guitar sound you will like their song “Rock n’Roll”.
If you like… winter on the beach, Sonic Youth, and lazy afternoons in a hammock you will like their song “Love is Lightning”.
Atom Son of Man
The muted guitar strumming intensifies, creating a sense of urgency, while the driving breaks echo like the rhythmic pounding of horse hooves beneath you. The transition into the chorus is reminiscent of a nihilistic sigh, and the vocals add a captivating layer. The overall ambiance feels liberating and raw. Although slightly brief, it is a compelling introduction to Atom Son of Man’s sound.
Love is Lightning
The bare indie guitar work is great, with a distinctly modern garage rock vibe. The band showcases intriguing and catchy melodies that beg for further creative exploration. The bass prompts curiosity however the drums feel concealed. Their style embodies a swift, noisy blend of garage and alt-rock, purposefully channeling nonchalance into a well-practiced finesse. The bass riff in the end breakdown has a stoner rock flavor.
Hold Me
The vocals carry a distinctive growly quality, navigating between the realms of 70s rock ballads and 90s grunge – a unique fusion that complements the song. It is very Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque. Despite being more laid-back than other tracks on the EP, it occasionally feels sluggish. However, the quicker section adds a dose of texture, making it a standout and potentially a personal favorite.
Vengeful Vulture
The gravely dark rock intro creates this beautiful tension that resonates throughout the song. The subtle cymbals in the background add the perfect touch of sparkle to this sonic drone. Imagining this song in a live setting, the growly guitar must vibrate like a giant angry cat. The bluesy, drunk guitar riffs create a stumbling walk in the background. This sound is gaining traction in Northern Colorado, often paired with a stoner alt-rock vibe I characterize it by its grumbly, erratic, and sluggish nature. Someone else can take on the task of naming this sound because the best I can come up with is Slug Rock.
Junkyard Dog
This song feels like it demands a Modelo Light to accompany it. A perfect pairing with its fuzzy rasp and ’60s bluesy growl, capturing the essence of a house show. I can vividly picture standing in someone’s backyard, hands firmly tucked into my jacket pockets for warmth, the band echoing in someone’s garage. The gravelly quality is similar to that in “Vengeful Vulture”, yet it leans more towards “Atom Son of Man” ‘s vibe with its old refurbished Cadillac feel- delivering a fuzzy, warm, and pleasantly sloth experience.
Rock n’Roll (Bonus Track)
The intro immediately grabs your attention, setting the stage for an energetic ride. I can almost visualize the flailing guitarists and thrashing drummers, especially when the chorus kicks in. They linger on a melody where the vocals have a powerful, let-loose energy. There’s a cheeky bluesy guitar sound reminiscent of “Junkyard Dog”, but presented in its loosest, freest, and almost anarchic form.