Atlas Engine - "Simple Animal"
Words by Zach Romano
Look At My Records! is very excited to premiere “Simple Animal”, the latest single off Brooklyn favorites Atlas Engine’s forthcoming EP “Part 2…There Can Be No Regrets.” “Simple Animal” continues the strong run of tracks Nick LaFalce and co. have been releasing recently, leaning into the driving space rock sound the band has been trending toward and continuing to deliver on the balance of the personal and the big picture that is quickly becoming LaFalce’s songwriting calling card.
“Simple Animal” begins with a bright, major key groove. LaFalce sings over crunchy, Silversun Pickups-esque guitars as keyboard washes and vocals from Meredith Lampe (Colatura, Work Wife) and Caroline Yoder (Fruit and Flowers) vamp in and out. LaFalce’s words detail how an argument over some inconsequential issue shines light the very consequential structural cracks in a disintegrating relationship, and how the worst in us can come out despite our best efforts. When he sings, “I’m a simple animal” in the song’s chorus, it’s not clear whether he is offering an apology or an excuse.
Atlas Engine has never been satisfied to write a basic song structure, and “Simple Animal” is no exception. At the three-minute mark, the band uses some studio trickery that had me checking to see if my headphones were still plugged in to transition into a 7/8 pattern, with all of the voices repeating the song’s title phrase over increasingly frantic guitars. Despite the odd time signature, the groove here feels very natural - in great part thanks to the clear rapport the band’s rhythm section has built up over years of playing together.
Where the first half of the song has a laid back if resigned tenor, the second half is decidedly anxious. If the verses of the track are describing an argument where the narrator felt like the rational, calm party, the song ends with the spiral of doubt afterwards as the title phrase is repeated over and over in growing self-recrimination.
Stream “Simple Animal” below!
Part 2…There Can Be No Regrets is out on Favorite Friend Records on May 13. The EP represents the second in a set of three that when put together will comprise Atlas Engine’s debut record. Have a listen to “Simple Animal” on Atlas Engine’s Bandcamp or on your streaming platform of choice. Keep up with Atlas Engine by following them on Instagram.
Make sure to catch what’s sure to be an awesome single-release show at TV EYE in Ridgewood tomorrow with Van Chamberlain, Joyce, and Percocet. Doors at 7:30 and tickets are available now.
