Atmosphere - The FamilySign

Thu 7th Jul, 2011 in Music Reviews

Those who are familiar with the many past works of Atmosphere know that the group is seriously underrated and that MC Slug is one interesting character to hear rhyme. When discussing Atmosphere there really are two sides to the tale, one is the production, the other is Slug.

Let’s get the production out of the way first. The Family Sign is the group’s seventh studio release and also marks the inclusion of two new band members, guitarist Nate Collins and keyboardist Erick Anderson. The thing that has made past Atmosphere tracks so great is how stripped back and simple the production is, usually just including a catchy piano hook and a groove heavy beat allowing plenty of room for Slug to do his thing. On The Family Sign however, the production is more complex with added instrumentation and less of a hip-hop feel. Now this progression makes sense, why wouldn’t the group want to challenge themselves a little? The only problem with this is that the elements that made Atmosphere enjoyable in the past are slightly diminished.

Slug, now a 38 year old, has also changed his style slightly, granted it wouldn’t make a lot of sense if he was still rapping about getting busted for graffiti or picking up girls, so his lyrical outlook has matured a little. The title of the record says it all, there is focus on topics mainly related to family, but still with that sinister edge. For example Big Bad Daddy is a song about a negligent father and She’s Enough is a reflection on his wife and son.

Slug’s performance on this record is more akin to spoken word than rapping despite the fact he never has been one for quick or planned flows. Whilst the changes made on this album don’t really stack up to Atmosphere’s past releases, there is a talent that cannot be denied and in this particular case, one that has been refined by years of experience making The Family Sign something to give some time to.