Atomik Bear - The XXL EP

Atomik Bear

The XXL EP
self-released; 2015

3.8 out of 5

By Jack Dickinson

Mark Ronson managed to make it big in the world pop music because he’s a slick producer and multi-instrumentalist who is able to dip into the best of rock and hip-hop’s past to create a new sound but with a bit of a throwback vibe, whether that be for himself or any of the artists he produces.

Artists as influential as Ronson have their share of imitators. Atomik Bear is no exception. Much like Ronson, Atomik Bear (who’s real name is James Myhill) originates from London and is an indie multi-instrumentalist who decided to showcase his talents on a mini album, which he christened The XXL EP.

All eight tracks on the record were recorded and mixed at his home studio in Battersea before outsourced the album’s mastering to Sage Audio in Nashville, TN. The album is an interesting cornucopia of house, EDM, synthpop, psychedelia and jazz-fusion.  Not much can be said Atomik Bear as a lyricist, but as musician and producer, one could say that he is quite “on point.”
 
Listening to Atomik Bear’s instrumentals on this album is quite a trip. “Wake Up-It Is Your Time” samples dialogue from a motivational self-help book over a funky, house beat. “Beautiful Violent Skies” could work well as the soundtrack for an upcoming Sci-fi video game and the psychedelic, dream pop sound of “Electric Lullaby” will help you fall asleep with irresistible bliss.

It’s very easy to sing the praises of Atomik Bear’s instrumentals, however, despite what I may have said earlier in the article, his actual song lyrics aren’t bad. Some of his deepest lyrics are on tunes like “This Train” and the drug track, “Morphine Drips.” These songs show that he has the potential to write great songs, but maybe Atomik Bear could work on fleshing out his style a bit more, like he does with dance tracks like “Dig in The Groove” a track that could become the song of the summer if the right people send it out to the right radio stations. Will Atomik Bear be able to build a fan base with this indie club mix and usurp Mark Ronson’s throne? Or will he remain in relative obscurity in the underground British house scene?  I suppose we’ll just have to wait and find out.

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