rAfter a mesmerizing self-titled debut record, it seems a bit strange that A/T/O/S would release an album only nine tracks long and under a half of an hour. Still, that's what Outboxed is for better or worse, and from a sonic and songwriting standpoint, A/T/O/S are still very much themselves, operating with a moody, organic mixture of alternative R&B and trip-hop. The production is still the selling point here, with its ethereal nature being less wondering and whimsical and more down-to-earth, weaving darker webs that shine beautifully next to those lovely vocals. More styles are at play here than just that, with several songs venturing into a more conventional, straightforward downtempo sound, and the opener pretty much being ambient techno. It's pretty swell, but one cannot help but feel as if they're teasing something a bit grander in scale with this record. Either way, it's just good that the group put out some new music, especially if it's as solid and well-rounded as this.
1 Bumps | Bump |
