ARK IDENTITY - “Atmosphere”
Photo by Kyle Poole
Toronto-based Noah Mroueh, aka ARK IDENTITY, has just released psych-tinged indie pop track, “Atmosphere.”
“Atmosphere” is propelled forward by a steady drum groove that imbues the track with a pleasing, laid-back, retro vibe. Over key areas, such as the intro and the song’s coda, the kit takes on a psychedelic and spacey vibe, thanks to the use of phasers. The music swirls in a prolific, crisp, and dreamy ambiance. Underneath, the melodic, warm, rounded, and punchy tones of the bass pulse with an exquisite sense of liveliness.
Dressing the track are vivid, dreamy layers from reflective, mellow electric guitar tones that jangle hypnotically, acoustic guitar that provides a rich sense of rhythmic texture, and meditative analog synth layers that brightly glow and sparkle with a wistful sense of intensity. The vocal exquisitely enhances the dreamy, retro, and psych-tinged atmosphere, with a delivery that is smooth and reflective, layered with lush, harmonising backing layers.
According to artist, the track was written to “capture the feeling of nostalgia for a past time in your life and the desire to escape your current reality. “Atmosphere” symbolizes a longing to break free from the constant changes and pressures of life, using the atmosphere as a metaphor for a place of freedom and detachment from society.”
“Atmosphere” is a pleasing track that, for me, sits somewhere between Electric Light Orchestra’s “One Summer Dream” and Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” if you could somehow push both into the psychedelic genre. Immersive, multilayered and melodically dreamy, this track definitely earns a spot on your playlist.