Devised by programmer/songwriter Wade Alin and vocalist Lauren Cheatham, The Atomica Project made waves in the chillout/electronic music community with their 2005 debut release, Metropolitan. Based heavily on Alin’s personal experiences in New York, Metropolitan illustrates a compelling story of loss, affliction, collapse and recovery. Fueled by heavy podcast rotation, enthusiastic reviews, and an extensive online following, Metropolitan was considered by many as one of the best independent releases of 2005.
The Atomica Project’s sophomore release, Grayscale, exhibits a more heavily orchestrated, lavish sound that further incorporates organic instrumentation and exemplifies the emotional impact of Lauren Cheatham's delivery. Following the release of Grayscale, the band continued to build their momentum, taking advantage of new formats (USB drive/download) to release two EP's: The 1st In A Series Of Dramatic Events and Overseas. Both EP's were released independently via their own online store/label (www.flagrantrecords.com) and accompanied by tours of the Midwest and East Coast including headlining shows in Chicago, Boston, and New York, as well as an appearance at the 2009 Forward Music Festival.
Throughout the bands travels it was widely assumed that Wade and Lauren were intimate. This misperception inspired the title of their third full-length album, The Non-Affair. Musically, the band elaborates on their previous work with more venturous arrangements and stylistic flirtations with everything from the 1940's to the modern shoe-gaze genre. Lyrically, the songs push further into the intimate spaces of relationships, identity, and change.
Always current and comfortable with the reality of a collapsed music business, The Atomica Project has teamed up with the creative funding site, kickstarter.com. The entire manufacturing process has been fully funded by fans and supporters of the band.
The Non-Affair is available on CD, digital download, and a 1 gigabyte USB drive since February 26, 2010.
Storm
The Atomica Project Lyrics
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We can wash our fears away
I can stay with you for an hour
But nothing will really change
Because I can't see the storm for the clouds
You can love me but it never works out
No I can't see the storm for the clouds
If we hold on to this forever
You'll find it's all the same
If we hold on for much longer
Nothing will ever change
Because I can't see the storm for the clouds
You can love me but it never works out
No I can't see the storm the clouds
You can love me but it never works
But nothing will really change
And I don't understand
Any more about you
And I can't comprehend
How to live without you
And I am here
And you are there
Will it always be the same?
Or can we
Change
And I keep chasing
As you drift further away
And you keep chasing
And I am
Gone
The Atomica Project's "Storm" is a song about a romantic relationship that is plagued with problems. The lyrics speak to feelings of hopelessness and despair as the individuals involved struggle to find a way to make things work. The song begins by acknowledging that one person is willing to stay with the other, but ultimately recognizes that nothing will really change as a result. The line "I can't see the storm for the clouds" reflects the idea that the individuals involved are not able to see the bigger picture or the root of the problems they are facing. The idea that "you can love me but it never works out" speaks to the idea that there is a fundamental flaw in the relationship that is preventing it from being successful.
The chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing the idea that despite efforts to maintain the relationship, it will never truly work. The lyrics "If we hold on to this forever, you'll find it's all the same" and "If we hold on for much longer, nothing will ever change" convey a sense of hopelessness and futility. The second verse reinforces the idea that nothing is changing and that the individuals involved are unable to move forward or find a way to fix things. The lyrics "And I don't understand any more about you and I can't comprehend how to live without you" speak to the emotional turmoil that comes with recognizing that a relationship is not working out.
Overall, The Atomica Project's "Storm" is a powerful reflection on the difficulties of maintaining a relationship that is not destined to work out. The lyrics convey a deep sense of despair and hopelessness, ultimately acknowledging that sometimes, no matter how hard we try, things just don't work out the way we want them to.
Line by Line Meaning
I can stay with you a moment
I can spend some time with you
We can wash our fears away
We can relieve ourselves of our fears
I can stay with you for an hour
I can spend a longer period of time with you
But nothing will really change
Our situation will remain the same
Because I can't see the storm for the clouds
I am unable to see beyond the surface issues
You can love me but it never works out
Despite your love, our relationship doesn't succeed
No I can't see the storm for the clouds
Again, I am unable to see beyond the surface issues
If we hold on to this forever
If we continue to hold on to what we have
You'll find it's all the same
The situation won't change
If we hold on for much longer
If we continue to hold on for an extended period
Nothing will ever change
Things will remain the same
And I don't understand
I am confused
Any more about you
I don't understand you anymore
And I can't comprehend
I am unable to fully understand
How to live without you
I don't know how to go on without you
And I am here
I am present
And you are there
You are distant
Will it always be the same?
Will things never change?
Or can we
Is it possible for us to
Change
Transform our situation?
And I keep chasing
I continue to pursue
As you drift further away
As you distance yourself more
And you keep chasing
But you continue to pursue as well
And I am gone
But I am no longer there
Contributed by Hannah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.