The Photo Atlas - No, Not Me, Never

Genre rock Publisher Stolen Transmission External Links Official Photo Atlas Website Official Stolen Transmission

No, Not Me, Never is The Photo Atlas' debut album and, though originally released on Morning After Records, made a big enough impression that Stolen Transmission (a sub-label of Island Records) signed them and re-released the debut. It isn't difficult to see what grabbed the ears of those at Stolen Transmission as The Photo Atlas rampage their way through the ten tracks with a breakneck speed that never lets up.

To get a good idea of what "Merit" sounds like one might best throw together the vocal style of Ian Curtis of Joy Division (or the more current Tom Smith from Editors) and add a healthy dose of We Are Scientists' musical approach. The pounding drum introduction then blends with an oft-repeated guitar line that gets the song moving. Alan Andrews' vocals dip and yelp over the instruments and only lets up for the end of the song and its intense musical exit.

"Light and Noise" is a little more mellow when compared to the opening two songs, and even if the pace has let up slightly, the bands' intensity does not lessen. The song's lyrics are cryptic and rather melancholy, but the song is never once dragged down by such sympathies or over-examination of emotion. Bill Threlkeld III gets to show of more of his guitar virtuosity on the song's bridge while remaining subtle about it at the same time.

"Little Tiny Explosions" comes late on the album but is a strong part of the reason why No, Not Me, Never refuses to let up. The song has the same intensity and vigor as found on the first half of the album and blends in well with the other tracks. Andrews' sounds legitimately pained as he screams his way through lines including, "You must think I'm a sinner, You must think I'm a liar now," as he reacts to an unknown affront. Perhaps The Photo Atlas means their album title to imply that they refuse to let up, which is exactly the case here. The songs pulsate with energy and, in some cases, anger and confusion. However, while the pace is admirable, occasionally the album feels too much the same with many of the songs following too similar a pattern and sound. Nonetheless, there is much to enjoy on No, Not Me, Never and the album is well worth checking out.