I'll admit, I hold Atlas Sound to higher standards than the average ambient electronica project. 2008's Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel was a revelation, a cohesively surreal sonic experimentation equal parts human and space. Logos, while generally consistent and nearly excellent, is destined to be remembered as Let the Blind's less ambitious cousin.
The absolute standout, both in terms of innovation and quality, is the Noah Lennox-assisted "Walkabout." The melding of the Animal Collective's recent joyous uptick and Atlas Sound's mood setting temperance is an irresistible blending of styles. Other repeat listens belong to the steady "Criminals" and the patient "Quick Canal" (which features Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab).
One of the problems is that "Walkabout" is just too damn fun. Parallel openers "The Light that Failed" and "An Orchid," while not exceptional, set a dark and mysterious tone soon extinguished by its exuberance. The second half of the album then has to work pretty hard to recapture the mood. Thankfully, the talent of Atlas Sound shines through to make Logos memorable, if not legendary.
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