Album Review: Enchanté by Tim Atlas
Review by Angelina Singer
As the French say, “Enchanté” loosely translates to “delighted to meet you” – a very fitting title for Tim Atlas’ debut full-length album. Filled to the brim with 13 tracks infused with dance-pop beats and a subtle emotional sensibility tangled up in poetic ideas, any EDM fan will love this album. Preceding Enchanté was two EPs titled Le Soir and Matinee. While Atlas’ vocals strike me as cognizant of Michael Jackson or the Bee Gees, the genre of this album reminded me of the newer work by The Driver Era (a more adult version of the former Disney band R5).
Born out of his recent move to Brooklyn from Los Angeles and his desire for a fresh start, Tim Atlas is dipping his toe into this new genre – and no surprise, it’s a perfect fit. With a great vision for the atmospheric energy that brings listeners to the electric energy of the club – perhaps even one in the French countryside – he’s ready to hit the big time. With some impressive credits already under his belt, including recognition from big-time names like Zane Lowe and Radio 1, all in the name of garnering over a whopping 150 million streams, Tim Atlas is the next big thing to hit the air waves.
Opening the album is the title track, and “Enchanté” does not disappoint. Sonically, it feels like walking around on a cobble-stone street at dusk, people-watching and enjoying the blooming nightlife. Swampy bass lines outline the track as Atlas’ smooth vocals bring all the good stuff to the surface.
Next up, listeners are treated to some grittier hors d'oeuvres on the first leg of the album, including songs like “Sushi in Wyoming”, “Attractive”, and “Knockin”. While “Sushi in Wyoming” is a whimsical title, it appears to be describing the surprising yet wonderful pairing of a new love interest. “Attractive” is a sultry ode to romantic chemistry and all the phases in between. While I wouldn’t say this album is strictly love songs, it’s certainly populated by romance as a central theme. Rounding out this group of songs is the edgier “Knockin” – featuring heavily-distorted guitars before reverted to a more chilled-out bass line, this song has some of the most varied dynamics of the album. This one has the strongest sense of watching your back – a quick look at the slightly more aggressive side of Atlas’ emotions.
The next three songs on the album feature some sonically surprising elements that keep things interesting. “Stardust” has this droning behind the lyrics that is tough to place – something either vaguely Hawaiian or perhaps something more loosely ethereal. Then “Out Cold” brings up some classy string instruments that elevate this tune to feel more like a film score than a pop song. It’s noticeably cinematic and lends itself beautifully into the next track on the album. “Lighthouse” didn’t strike me as too sonically different than the others, but it’s much more staccato in its articulations with a subtle wind section added in the mix. Thematically, the central theme is remembering a lost love and perhaps them leading you back home (“you’ll always be a lighthouse in my mind”).
Getting into the later part of the album, listeners are treated to the more cryptic “The Deceiving”. It immediately feels like something out of a Sherlock Holmes movie, with more stilted tones and unsettled jazz chords. The tone is tense, and slowly evolves into a glittering calm in the pre-chorus and chorus, with only a subtle nod to the previous stress of the introduction. While I would’ve loved a clearer listen to the lyrics on this track (and the rest of the album) for the sake of better grasping the storytelling, I enjoyed the above-mentioned dynamics of this song.
My main critique of this album is that the songs go together – almost too well. While many of them feature different elements, both thematically and sonically, I had a tricky time discerning the differences between each one. Especially towards the end of the album, “Lifeboat”, “Just a Baby”, and “See Thru” have similar beat and mix structures (in my opinion). I did, however, appreciate the new textures and minimalist approach to the beginning of “As They Seem”. This song lends itself to a blues-y departure that’s a great bridge to the rest of the album. It’s stripped-down, minimalist, and just the right amount of provocative in its tone and breathy vocal harmonies.
Then you have “Mom” – a beautiful thematic shift into an awareness of his relationship with his mother, despite sometimes not knowing what to say. The harmonies a massive in this song, and they’re beautiful – but once again, I would’ve loved some more clarity in the mix to make out the words better.
All things considered, this debut album by Tim Atlas is a solid endeavor, with loads of artistry and vision baked in. In this new chapter of his life, I wish nothing but wonderful things for his career. I’m grateful to have been able to broaden my scope with some new styles different than the pop and rock genres I typically find myself listening to. I have no doubt these songs are going to be perfect at the club to set the mood and make the night one to remember.
Enchanté by Tim Atlas is available now, and you can stream it on Spotify!