So who is Atman anyway? Rapper Atman delivers an edgy and cool clean appeal that’s missing from a majority of rappers these days. His latest release, “Silence is Golden” recently slid across my desk. I’ve heard my share of rap this year, and most of it is trivial to say the least. Give me something fresh and new within this overly saturated genera please! on “Silence is Deadly” there’s a real sense of cathartic musical independence here via this latest work from Atman. While everything here is shall I say exceptionally entertaining, and it also manages to cover a pretty wide range of musical styles. A few moments notably stand out for me in particular. Track 1 “Silence” delivers pure grooved magic and an impressive writer’s touch. While each movement presents straight forward hooky beats and ambient vocals presence from Atman that hangs out stylistically. He’s sometimes playful, other times tenacious aggressive and bold – in your face. Despite his location this 10 track set also has a SOCAL feel to it as the CD hits solid stride. This CD is definitely a modern example of classic urban rap/hip hop and I can also hear acts like Akon, R.I.O, Chris Brown, Universal Zulu Nation, Flying Lotus and DJ Premier between the lines. Ironically Atman’s style of music is as easy to pigeonhole as you think, however, I suspect many of the previously mentioned bands have had an influence. The Production work is how I shall say – off the chain. The vocal front from Atman deserves mention and is equally as clairvoyant and compelling. I can’t explain it but he really draws you in and is an exceptional talent overall. “Silence is Golden” has got plenty of cool Chill, Trance-Dance riffing, deep seeded bass that sits down in the pocket like on “Wake Up” and “Ghosts”. . Above all it shows just how far a rapper like Atman will masterfully navigate with sheer precision through this addictive writing style.
My favorite tracks are as follows; “Wake Up”, “Silence”, and “Lose It.”
I also get the impression Atman is a total riot to see in a live setting. This guys has multiple releases and has been around for a while. So are you thinking what I’m thinking? Somehow all the above is not compatible with the superficial musical times we live in. Atman is well-suited and well-positioned for American rap audiences that enjoy world class Rap, Chill, Trance-Dance with roots up north. There are even elements of Ambient Pop and Power Dub here as well. Expect great things from Atman as his fanbase expands this Summer. I believe there’s a detached and disgruntled audience just waiting for him to arrive.
Rating: 8/10 Stars
Genre: Rap
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/atmvn
I-TUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/silence-is-golden/id903054127
Casey Moynihan
