Review: Mystery surrounds the L.A.-based collective Sun Atlas, known for their masked anonymity and a focus on music and community over individual fame. This ethos of oneness and universal spirit permeates their eclectic sound, blending afrobeat, cinematic soul, spiritual and ethio jazz, space sounds, hip-hop breaks, and garage funk. Following their cryptic debut single, 'The Mystic Parade' b/w 'Grand Theft,' which quickly sold out and was mistaken for "lost" hip-hop samples or 70s habibi funk, Sun Atlas returns with their full-length album Return to the Spirit. This album continues the exploration initiated by their single, inviting listeners into a mystical and cosmopolitan sonic universe.Return to the Spirit builds on the intrigue of their debut, offering a richly textured journey through a colorful soundscape. The album's expansive format allows Sun Atlas to delve deeper into their unique fusion of styles, creating a transcendental listening experience that remains firmly rooted in their commitment to collective musical expression and the breaking down of individualistic idolisation. With each track, Sun Atlas crafts a mystical, communal vibe that feels both timeless and innovative.
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