ALBUM REVIEW: Of the Atlas Lifts The Spirits Of Water Street
**This article originally appeared in our April 2025 issue.**
“The overarching theme of working through hardships is confidently supported by the strong vocals and catchy riffs in the tracks.”
On March 15, Catskills-based indie rock band Of the Atlas released their album The Spirits of Water Street. This record offers a taste of something for everyone as the band, founded by Jay Woodruff, explores various sounds and styles, both instrumentally and vocally.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but the album artwork automatically drew me in with its cool, blue tones and glimpses of pink creeping in the corners. There appears to be a reflection of water overlaying an x-ray-type composition.
The song titles are equally as intriguing, offering a short and sweet, yet impactful tease into the themes within. “Tire Fire,” “Time and Space,” and “Hypothesis” stood out to me.
Upon hitting play, my first impression was that of a strong, polished composition of work – the first notes are hard-hitting and the first track begins to pick up pace. I also enjoyed the brief pause that led into the guitar solo, setting up the shredding to come.
The second track slowed things down, adding a contrasting tone to the fast tempo of the opening song. However, the change of pace didn’t feel awkward. The melancholy mood it set worked well and added depth to the storyline.
By the third song, the drums were heavy-hitting and heard in their full capacity, producing catchy beats. This song, titled “Demons,” talks of facing internal problems with lyrics like, “I guess I had to face my demons. Some will come and go. But this moment’s never leaving.” These words start to invoke more vulnerability in the theme through the lyrics and high-ranging vocals.
“Resolution,” is the fourth track on the record and also has the shortest runtime. Clocking in at just 1 minute and 28 seconds, this instrumental piece shows a different side to the record. There are some underlying fun, synthy vibes. The song helps show the multitude of sounds and genres Of the Atlas can hit. I appreciated that this song provided a break between the longer tracks sandwiched around it. It portrayed the message that the band’s instrumental sound is so strong and clean that they can ditch the lyrics for a second and let it shine through.
Track five was one of my personal favorites. I feel as though it was crafted with a certain vulnerability that listeners can easily connect with. The lyrics, pace, and tone of vocals work in a sort of perfect trifecta to convey the deep, emotional message of having a person in your life that provides support and meaning so much so that you lose track of space and time when in their presence. The fun echo effect used sparingly in the vocals really drove the theme home without overdoing it in a cheesy way.
“Starting Point” was next in the queue and put a spotlight on the bass, which kicked things off with force and conviction. This offers another instrumental soundbite into the chemistry of all the different functioning parts of the band. A fake-out about 2 minutes into the track suggests the jam might be over, but it picks up again as if to say, ‘Hell no, we aren’t done yet!’
The longest and second to last song on the album is titled “I’m Ready.” All 6 minutes and 22 seconds are raw and emotional, but hopeful in nature.
Wrapping things up was the eighth piece, featuring a heavy-hitting instrumental showcase, with notes of techno sounds. The drums are so intentional in this song and were honestly pretty mesmerizing layered over ethereal guitar riffs.
Of the Atlas’ The Spirits of Water Street offers a diverse listening experience. The overarching theme of working through hardships is confidently supported by the strong vocals and catchy riffs in the tracks. The breakdowns and guitar solos featured part way through many of the songs are nothing short of impressive and make it easy to imagine a crowd getting down and rocking at a live show. Every song on this record is intentional and firmly holds its place in the band’s solid and moving composition of work.
The Spirits of Water Street is available now.
