简介
The gifted digital architects of 2013's stunning release Tides of Thorns have returned. With the Clouds EP - released on 21 November - Glasgow's Atom Tree again outline their raw talent and blueprint of intent, presenting once more a series of intricate and innovative compositions. Clouds' four tracks again eke the brilliance of 23-year old Shaun Canning, who writes, produces and spearheads the three-piece, though sees now their stunning digital framework embellished by the sultry yet gauzy vocals of new creative member Julia Knox. Across a glittering vista of samples is draped Knox's gossamer output, and Clouds has Atom Tree conjure up a stretching landscape sated in organic tones, digital pulses and emotive imagery; one replete with suspense, sunbursts, soaring ridges and the oscillations mastered by evident influence Jon Hopkins. Through lead track 'Sinner', Knox simultaneously explores hope and heartbreak, while Canning's percussive-laden composition acts as both the breaking waves and breakwater before the outro's refulgent and hypnotic soar. 'Hearts', recorded at London's prestigious Red Bull Studios, again offers the playful percussion seen in previous release 'P.S', with Knox's powerful vocal angst fully illustrating why the duo shifted to include her. The lo-tempo 'Hold On' toys with contemporaries The XX to simultaneously haunt and shimmer, while shades of Chicago house, glitched vocal clicks and Mediterranean minimalism seep through instrumental closer Clouds. Glittering, versatile, and evidence that Atom Tree's repertoire in a decade will be deservedly looked upon with reverence, the Clouds EP will precede a much-awaited debut album from one of electronica's most exciting new acts.
