Atomic Guava – Beach Episode

I love music that can be catchy without getting predictable or generic. What bands like Atomic Guava have taught me is that a hook is best served with technical complexities on the side. Few bands strike the balance of complex and accessible elements as well as they do. Their debut album, “Peasants of the Future” had me completely lose myself in excitement on first listen, but it also turned out to be a grower that warranted repeated listens before the full picture started coming together and making sense to me. And I feel like it’s a ‘Similar’ (pun intended) situation with their most recent EP, “Beach Episode” (exclusive premiere on The Progspace).

It is a modest release this one. Only four songs put together just over 16 minutes of music. But if you think modest can’t be epic, you’d better think again, because everything is a whacky adventure with this band. Silliness was always one of their superpowers, and initially what sold me on them. Unlike every gimmicky band out there, they can be silly without limiting themselves to being just silly. When I listen to their music, I get the feeling like there’s something deeper and more meaningful lurking under the jolly melodies, bouncy grooves and colorful cover artworks (Blue Kraken big yay!). I think what makes them so appealing to me is creative honesty. When they say something with their music, they really mean it, which is why it’s so convincing on the listener’s side. So what do they have to say in this episode?

Well the lyrics aren’t public yet, and even if they were, I don’t think the message would be exactly straightforward. So let’s look at the feels in the music instead. Yes, on the surface, it’s very bouncy music. It’s djenty, groovy, swirly, upbeat and very melodic. All the choruses are very memorable and good to sing along to and the grooves are very infectious. But I actually feel like the emotional delivery on this specific EP is a bit more sophisticated. Each song is a banger, but each song also has at least one moment of tranquility. On ‘Bioluminescent’ for example, that would be the bass solo, which I can best describe as elegant and smooth. On ‘Tether’ it would be the chill groove with breezy synths and bass after the first chorus. Singer Elizabeth Hull gives some beautifully relaxing vocal lines on such parts. She can relieve the tension in the music very effectively by making her singing more subdued and breathy, often in head voice. I don’t think these moments of peace are the main takeaway from the music, but they made a lasting impact on me, and they’re the reason why despite each song being a banger, you still get a beautiful ebb and flow of energy throughout the EP.

Atomic Guava – Beach Episode

I already gave a shoutout to Kari Estes‘ bass delivery, so I’m gonna start the instrumental analysis focusing on her parts. It’s been a while since I heard an album that showed so much bass love. Not only are there a number of bass solos in here (‘Bioluminescent’, ‘Shrimp Scampi’) but the instrument is rarely just doubling the guitars. It’s very much a mood setter through the entire album and even through the more energetic moments it seems to keep sense of smoothness running through the music. On guitars, Martin Gonzalez and Mike Midura are complementing riffs and melody beautifully. Lead guitar elements spice up the songs even outside the solo sections, and the solos themselves are flashy enough to show off but also well integrated in the songs and in tune with the vibes. I especially love the tapping section under the verse in ‘Is/Was’. The riffs are a good combination of groovy and djenty. They also often include whacky guitar runs that make everything more light-hearted and lively. And drummer Corey Hall is excellent not only as a prog metal drummer, but also with subtle details and soft moments. He also has a moment when he sound particularly thrashy on the outro to ‘Tether’. Also did I mention there’s a sax solo on ‘Is/Was’? Well it’s there, just because prog I suppose, and it’s brilliant!

Vocally, Ellie Hull does everything from high epic belting and aggressive mid-range screams to soft and peaceful singing. She’s very emotive and versatile in her delivery and adds so much character to the songs with her vocals as well as lyrics (the ones I could make out). I assume the lyrics are mostly hers but I don’t know this for sure. Despite the music sounding jolly and upbeat for the most part, there are some properly aggressive moments (see the breakdown in ‘Bioluminescent’) where she switches to a very confrontational attitude. The switches in emotions and tone on the vocals are often very sudden and unexpected, sometimes even happening in the same line (“Now I’m f***ing tired” in ‘Tether’). Her ability to integrate cleaner and grittier textures and alternate between them seamlessly is just spectacular.

Overall I think Atomic Guava’s songwriting has improved. It feels more coherent, fluid and intuitive than in previous releases and it’s more comfortable on the listener, without necessarily becoming simpler. I also feel like this EP is a bit more emotionally mature and contained than the debut album, and by that I do not mean it’s less intense, but rather more directed and less chaotic. But after all that, what gets me the most is the same thing that got me with their debut album. With no clear story and no obvious narrative, they somehow make you feel like you’re going on a journey. Their lyrics as well as the music paint striking images, sensations and moments that stick with and make you feel like you’re traveling from point A to B, running into all sorts of situations and apparitions on the way! So if you too want to go on an unspecified escapist journey of decontextualized feelings and sensations, then I suggest you try out “Beach Episode”.
Track List:

1. Tether (03:28)
2. Is/Was (03:54)
3. Bioluminescent (feat. Lechuga) (04:23)
4. Shrimp Scampi (04:22)