I hate labeling music, but it's a necessary evil to give the reader some idea of whether they might like a new release or not. It's even tougher when it is instrumental music like the kind The American Dollar makes. The New York duo's output is often described as post-rock, cinematic and even a bit ambient at times. And it has elements of all of those styles. But for the purpose of this review, how about we just label it astounding, as that is what John Emanuele and Rich Cupolo have produced, an astounding album.
Although there are electronics added to the mix, the basis of The American Dollar's music is live instrumentation. Live drums, piano, bass and soaring guitar solos weave each song into a 55 minute journey that must be experienced through a good set of headphones to get the full effect. It's a perfectly placed mix of electronic beats and sounds with solid rock musicianship.
Opening strong with "A Few Words", carried on the wings of its prevalent piano line, "Atlas" never disappoints or meanders. Every song has it's own distinct personality, there is never the feeling of "sameness" you get on some lesser release in this genre of music. "Age Of Wonder" starts with stuttering electronic beats while electric guitar carries the melody before live drums and keys kick in to build a wall of sound before fading out. The shimmering keyboard effects on "Shadows" lie on a bed of shuffling live drums and string effects. "Red Letter" is a dark, driving atmospheric electronic track with piano added to the electro beats and keyboard swirls. The variation is the key to the success of "Atlas".
Even a release as strong as this still has tracks that stand out from the rest. There are almost too many to mention here. "Circuits" is as beautiful as it gets. Opening with piano over swooning keyboards, the drum beats join in before the song explodes into a guitar solo with all the other instruments swimming in your head behind it. "Equinox" boasts the prettiest melody on the album, delicately played on piano against booming electronic beats before the guitar joins in and eventually takes the song off into a full blown rock track. "Flood" opens with ambient sounds, lush keys and a tinkling piano before bursting into life with drums, bass, keys and guitar over an ethereal sound scape.
With "Atlas", The American Dollar have crafted a sure bet for my Top Ten of 2010. This is a gorgeous work, and an emotional listening experience, from start to finish. All hail the power of great music.
"Atlas" was released January 1, 2010 in the U.S. on Yesh Records.
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