Real Estate has relied on a relatively simple model to achieve notoriety: airy vocals paired with heavily reverbed and strikingly complex guitar work. Both studio albums released by the group (Real Estate and Days) feature different variations of this, yet each track sounds wholly original, capturing a different sentiment with every vibrato and additional effects pedal. The intertwining melodies on “Beach Comber” act as an ode to an intangible endless summer while the layered guitar patterns found on “Green Aisles” emit a sense of wonderment and adventure in the doldrums.
The New Jersey quintet has perfected the East Coast’s more easy-natured tonalities, as seen on the group’s latest track. The first single off their forthcoming album, Atlas, “Talking Backwards” showcases the group’s advances in production more than instrumental work. While their previous LPs had a DIY aesthetic, “Talking Backwards” shows how far Real Estate has progressed in recording methods. Its bass pops alongside Matt Mondanile’s guitar noodling and Martin Courtney’s voice gains significant clarity as well as newfound authority. If it’s a certifiable representation of the band’s third release, Atlas should be a much needed shimmer in a wintery landscape.