Photo Atlas
Silently Provoke the Ghosts E.P.
6/10

The Photo Atlas seems to be on the verge of something unique, but hasn’t yet pushed hard enough. There is a load of talent present in this EP, but they sound as if they’re trying to please each widespread musical influence all at once. Their obvious influences happen to be a load of bands they’ve formerly shared stages with- music-wise there’s Reggie and the Full Effect, Motion City Soundtrack, Portugal the Man, and Appleseed Cast; vocals suggest Say Anything and Circa Survive. These guys have successfully accessed the college rock club- they’ve shared ticket stubs with various college rockers, they’ve got various catchy-yet-semi-sad post-punk melodies, and their album and Myspace is laden with high-contrast, obnoxious, bright pastel spray paint-style artwork.

Unless you’re thoroughly moved by the addition of quirky keyboard sounds featured on “Jealous Teeth” and “It’s Always About the Money,” this E.P.’s five tracks seem a bit repetitive. Nevertheless, smooth guitar riffs keep the pace fast while crashing up and down the scales and catchy bass lines will hold listeners’ attention. There is notable vocal talent throughout- vocalist Alan Andrews has truly got a pair . . . of lungs, that is. Though some bits are less than upbeat, there are a few opportunities to engage an audience in dancing and/or clapping to the beat– this will up the entertainment for an audience and insure success amongst lively college kids.

–Stephanie Thornton