I’ve been meaning to write this piece for the last few
weeks!
A few weeks ago I received an eagerly anticipated CD through
the post. I’d pre-ordered Atlum Schema’s new album, Year 0, a little while before and I’d know that it was due. I’d
listened to the song sampler download that was available prior to the full
release of the album, and I’d also watched the video for one of the tracks
relentlessly.
Needless to say, when the CD arrived I was delighted. It’s a
beautiful album, filled with great tunes, fantastic lyrics and lively melodies.
Atlum Schema (Andy Mort) makes music that deserves to be
played more widely, known by more people and enjoyed further afield. Andy’s a
bit of a cottage industry, writing, playing, recording, off his own back.
Along with Rivers and Robots and Listener, Andy is another
example of great artists who have decided to use bandcamp, social media and
online opportunities to make a go of making music as more than just a hobby.
Andy is constantly exploring creativity and does some amazing things.
Now, in no way am I trying to write an NME / MOJO style
review of this album, but I do want to impress upon people the impression it
made on me. It’s spiritual stuff, deeply emotive, and it comes from somewhere
very deep. Much of the album was apparently written while one of Andy’s close
friends was incredibly ill (if I’m not mistaken) and while that can be read in
the lyrics and comes across in the mood of the album, it’s an uplifting
experience. This is an album to be savoured. It’s not just a CD to listen to
when you are feeling depressed, or ill, or lonely, or even contemplative, it’s
a sing-along drive album, it’s a great album.
Imagine Sigur Ros meets Waxahatchee, Justin Vernon and the
Low Anthem for a drink: this is the music that comes out.
Musically the album is fantastic, but lyrically it is
utterly flawless. Devastatingly insightful and incisive.
Let me give you some examples,
Empire of the Soul:
“We are the accepted
face.
We make the rules for
the game.
Carry the gun filled
with fatal saving grace.
This is an empire,
I’m sure, 'cos the
thing that we fear is the thing we fight for.
This is the empire of
the soul.”
Wrecking Ball
i’m on their side not
your side this time
i’m on their side not
your side of the line
you’re perfect, it’s
not about you
it must be what the
rest of us do
we’re vile and we’re
creatures of hate
please don’t give up
on us you are great
Pretending To Sleep
sleep talking
investment quickly
sell my soul for a
chance
priest is quick to
grant forgiveness
where I’m going is
hell
it’s impossible to
wake someone pretending to sleep
it’s impossible to
wake somebody like me
Bottom Line
What am I worth to you
if I’m alive?
What am I worth to
you?
Please sir, did I meet
the bottom line or am I dispensable?
Did I meet the bottom
line?
Did I toe your party
line or was I reprehensible?
Did I toe the party
line?
I could go on and on and on. Andy’s gift is finding a
lyrical hook, and nailing it. Like a poetic tweet, he writes a phrase that
tears through your soul and seems to build around it.
Do yourself a favour, support an independent musician doing
amazing things. Go over to bandcamp and buy this CD (or download if that’s your
kind of thing!)
Anyway, enough of me, check Andy’s stuff out at
www.atlumschema.com @atlumschema
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