Real Estate

Atlas (Domino)

“Less is more” when it comes to Real Estate’s modus operandi. Like its predecessors, the indie quintet’s third album dazzles wholly understated. A lean 38 minutes, Atlas plays out both tailored and unrushed, each of its 10 tracks arranged simply while sounding unequivocally lush. A breezy dream-pop landscape and smooth surf-rock guitar riffs juxtapose frontman Martin Courtney’s lyrics; although masked in his ultra mellow croon, themes of struggle and solitude belie the music’s carefree vibe. Three albums in, the New Jersey natives have mastered the craft of self-editing to the point of zero fluff. Sole misstep: “How Might I Live,” sung by bassist Alex Bleeker, whose low-register vocals seem starkly misplaced against Courtney’s comparatively cool voice. Real Estate already evaded the sophomore slump on 2011’s impressive Days, now Atlas furthers the catalog. (5pm, RetailMeNot stage)

****

This article appears in October 3 • 2014.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US