As major labels continue to exist behind the times, artists and labels with little capital and lesser reputations are producing some of the most innovative, interesting, and inspiring music. Whether it’s creating a new niche in digital technology or looking to once obsolete formats, Agitated Atmosphere hopes to pull back the curtain on a wealth of sights and sound from luminaries such as Chris Weisman.
Like the seasons, Chris Weisman returns to AA one year after our last review of his work as if playing the part of a sympathetic Old Man Winter.
Weisman signals change. His presence warms up the cold winters and provides the necessary breeze in the hot of summer. It’s no wonder Greg Davis continues to release Weisman’s output via his aptly named Autumn Records. But the bigger appeal to Weisman is how effortlessly he blends the many variations of pop into one accessible package of underground know-how and independent spirit.
Message for Work continues the simple pleasures of Transparency; Weisman largely relying on his acoustic guitar, quaint melodies, and quiet harmonies. Weisman’s lyrical prowess is perhaps the biggest point of his music. Words become everyday fairy tales, whether singing about the pleasures of playing an acoustic guitar (“Acoustic Guitar”), dreams and death (“Feature Dana”), or love (“Palimpsest”). The only shock is closer “Woman of Bidi,” a fantastic 30-minute electric guitar change-up that breaks down songwriting into its most basic component. Nearly an album onto itself, “Woman of Bidi” feels like freedom of summer, not like the complacency of winter.
Weisman is truly a man of all seasons, and Message From Work proves that no matter the temperature or the color of the sky, pure pop beauty transcends environment and encapsulates any mood.
Justin Spicer is a freelance journalist whose work can be viewed at his website. You can also find him on Twitter.
