Adam Flores | Contributing Writer

Atlas Genius “Inanimate Objects”

One of Australia’s latest musical imports is Atlas Genius and their sophomore offering, “Inanimate Objects,” hit record stores and digital music download services on August 28. This is a follow-up to their debut album, “When It Was Now,” which was released in February 2013 and peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard 200 Chart.

Atlas Genius is made up of brothers Keith (lead vocals, guitar) and Michael Jeffery (drums). They formed the group in November of 2009 with the assistance of their brother Steven Jeffery on bass guitar and English- born Darren Sell on keyboards. In 2012, Steven left the group and in 2013, Kevin McPherson replaced Sell supplying bass guitar, keyboards and vocals.

“Inanimate Objects” offers streamlined lyrical phrases embedded in catchy, arpeggiated synth rhythms mixed with acoustic and electronic drum beats. Keith’s guitar work adds a rhythmic drive and energy, helping to uplift his lyric and vocal talents. Sonic landscapes are created by lush keyboard textures reminiscent of ‘80s pop-electronic analog sounds that are faithfully reproduced in today’s digital age.

The first single, “Molecules,” was released on June 23, 2015. The hit track is moving up the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart and currently at No. 18. Two earlier songs made their way onto the same chart: “Trojans,” their first single released on May 4, 2011 peaked at No. 4 and “If So,” released in February 2013, reached No. 8.

Atlas Genius draws their musical inspiration from such luminaries as The Beatles, Beck and The Police. In an interview with The Music Beam, lead singer Keith Jeffery notes that he is a huge fan of Ben Gibbard’s lyrics. “As far as the music is concerned, we like to have space, sections where it breathes,” said Jeffery.

Atlas Genius displays a command and balance of their music and lyrics on “Inanimate Objects.” Keith’s lyrics about the everyday world we live in are easy to interpret, and leave listeners feeling good and wanting to live life. The lyrics are musically complemented by infectious synth bass lines, simplistic melodic structures and dance grooves that make you want to move to the trance pulse of the beat.

While “Molecules” is destined to be another anthem in their growing arsenal of indietronica soundscapes, songs like “A Perfect End” and “The City We Grow” tell of a need for humanity to carry on and to not crumble in its own dark moments, assuring us there is no reason to possess an apocalyptic attitude on life.

Atlas Genius is currently on tour in the United States with The Postelles, a Manhattan based indie rock group. Grab a copy of “Inanimate Objects” and get your tickets to see Atlas Genius with Dreamers on Wednesday, September 16, at the NorVa.