Atom Eyes
“…jazzy brilliance…” - Backseat Mafia
Edinburgh-based collective Atom Eyes continue to mesmerise with the release of their genre-defying debut album Blue Into Gold, out on 3rd June 2022. This has been supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund.
Combining jazz, funk and neo-soul sensibilities, Atom Eyes create a sound that perfectly encapsulates their diverse yet equally eclectic backgrounds. Front woman Lissa Chen Robertson’s stunningly soulful vocals are at the forefront, backed by award-winning jazz pianist Alan Benzie’s impressive skills, alongside guitarist Fraser Christie, drummer Scott Jamieson and bassist Tom Wilkinson completing the formidable rhythm section. Throughout the album the listener is met with propulsive, inventive rhythms with playful melodies and radiating harmonies. Fans of the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote and Moonchild will feel at home here. Moonchild’s Andris Mattson even takes to the trumpet on previous single You Do You, which is out now.
Talking about the album, Fraser elaborates, “there’s definitely obvious attention given to jazz, funk and neo-soul harmony throughout the album but each member fully expresses their own influences across each track. Alan might play some Robert Glasper piano tones, as I lay down an Incubus style riff, whilst Tom and Scott lock into a funk groove. We stick to our strengths but have found a formula to create great songs without compromising on our own personalities”.
Atom Eyes first formed in 2017 when Lissa and Fraser starting writing together after a chance meeting at an Edinburgh flat party. Lissa had worked with Scott and Alan prior to this and invited them to join the project. Scott knew Tom from many a late-night Jazz Bar gig and thus, Atom Eyes was formed. The quintet have previously played at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and have already been supported by the likes of BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly, Songwriting Magazine and Tenement TV. Catch Atom Eyes live at the following dates:
2nd June 2022 - Hoochie Coochie - Newcastle
3rd June 2022 - Matt and Phred's - Manchester
4th June 2022 - The Blue Arrow - Glasgow
10th June 2022 - The Mash House - Edinburgh
16th June 2022 - Doune The Rabbit Hole Festival
19th July 2022 - Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
Blue Into Gold is due for release on 3rd June 2022.