SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ROBIN GUTHRIE – ATLAS

ROBIN GUTHRIE
ATLAS
SOLEIL APRÈS MINUIT

The Cocteau Twins were very much adored and influential when they were together from the 1980s until the early 1990s. Since then, the band has taken on an almost mythical status. Their music continues to attract new fans and keep the older one company. Robin Guthrie has been the most prolific and consistent when it comes to releasing new music. He has released a number of singles over the past few years, however Atlas is his first significant release since 2021’s Pearldiving.

As with his other releases, Atlas is an ambient release, featuring four new songs. Ambient music comes honestly to Guthrie. In many ways it is an extension of The Cocteau Twins music and let us not forget that The Cocteau Twins did release the incredible ambient album with Harold Budd, The Moon And The Melodies. But it is simplistic to call Atlas an ambient EP, as there is a lot going on in the music.

Atlas is truly a solo effort, with Guthrie writing, producing, mastering, and performing all the songs. On this EP, Guthrie seems to be in somewhat of a sombre, contemplative mood. The music evokes melancholy and a lot of reminiscing. The last two tracks, “Without A Word” and “La Perigrina” veer into Cocteau Twins territory and sound as though they could be turned into complete Cocteau Twins songs with help from the other two members. This is not to criticize the songs, as they are quite beautiful, but it does give a sample of where The Cocteau Twins might have gone had they stayed together.

The first two tracks of the EP are very reserved and spacious. The piano and layered sounds of the first track, “Atlas”, produces great depth and beauty. Much like John Foxx’s latest piano album, it strikes a chord deep in one’s soul and reverberates. Guthrie collaborated with Foxx on a wonderful album, 2009’s Mirrorball. “Atlas” is one of the most beautiful melodies Guthrie has written. “Metropol” is much more in line when one thinks of ambient music. It is a very peaceful song.

Atlas is a creative, beautiful EP full of incredible songs and textures. Guthrie seems to be getting better with age. The only downside to the EP is that it is far too late. Perhaps, he could have collected the singles he had released over the past couple of years and combined them to come up with a full-length album. However, the EP is available and even though it is short, it s well worth the time and effort to hear it.

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