Self-aware if overly optimistic, Tim Atlas’ “The Deceiving” is instantly contagious and equally relatable.
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Stream: “The Deceiving” – Tim Atlas
Blushing and bubbling, Tim Atlas dawns the rose-colored glasses in his single “The Deceiving.” Set against the background of fall in New York, it is Atlas’ quintessential track for the cuffing season.
Oh, I think my eyes are outta sight
‘Cause when I look at you
I’m blinded by the sun
Just let me sit and fantasize
If I believe it, I see it
So we live in the deceiving
The Bay Area native, now a Brooklyn-based indie pop artist uses his new surroundings as inspiration for his latest single, infusing the cool fall breeze to convey what he describes as the “pure bliss” of a new crush.
Released through Nettwerk Music Group on November 24, “The Deceiving” comes soon after Atlas’ August EP, Le Soir. Where Le Soir saw Atlas double down on his neo-soul and psychedelic influences, “The Deceiving” blends those elements with hints of jazz to form Atlas’s unique brand of indie pop. Cozy and simultaneously refreshing, “The Deceiving” revives Atlas’ infectious energy and gushing style of lyricism reminiscent of his QUOTA era.
Streaks of light
Guide me through a tunnel
Of all my pride
Circle down the drain
What I find
Is all I never wanted
You’re all I ever wanted in the sunshine
‘Cause I really wanna know
Oh, I really wanna know you better
The song opens with a jazzy piano riff, ushering in the sunny accompaniment of a bedroom pop drum kit and funk bass as Atlas effuses: Oh I think my eyes are outta sight, Cause when I look at you I’m blinded by the sun. Floating in falsettos, Atlas feels the high, if still overwhelmed by the prospect of love. Stuck in a daydream, an array of glittery synths are introduced similar to that of Tyler, the Creator’s IGOR sharing both a similar sentiment and flair of production. Constantly building but never congested, the track mimics a swelling of emotions just waiting to burst. Each layer of instrumentation builds on the previous, acting as a kind of sonic metaphor for the “honeymoon phase” of a relationship. With each new moment shared, each new interaction intrigue becomes infatuation, and love becomes layered.
Oh, I think my eyes are outta sight (Outta sight)
’Cause when I look at you I’m blinded by the sun
Just let me sit and fantasize (‘Size)
If I believe it, I see it
So we live in the deceiving
Despite its title, “The Deceiving” never feels mean-spirited, even with its ignorance is bliss premise. In an abundance of optimism, the track radiates the rush of a crush. Flustered, anxious, and utterly excited, Atlas is hypnotized by his new partner: Just let me sit and fantasize, If I believe it, I see it, So we live in the deceiving. While desire intensifies and vision blurs, Atlas acknowledges he is not entirely oblivious to the illusions of the early phases of a relationship as he hints:
Camouflaging all my inhibitions
With all my vices
Circle ‘round in a field of blues
When all I need is a ride in a carousel with you
So what am I to do
As the fantasy nears its end, the outro features improvised electric keys, possibly implying an uncertainty about what the next stage entails. Aware of the haze inhibiting the entry of negative energy, Atlas knows his current joy does not define what may come in the future. If this period only lasts for a brief moment time, maybe nothing more than a seasonal romance, he chooses to soak up the warmth of it for as long as he can.
‘Cause I really wanna know
Oh, I really wanna know you better
Oh, I think my eyes are outta sight (Outta sight)
‘Cause when I look at you I’m blinded by the sun
Just let me sit and fantasize (‘Size)
If I believe it, I see it
So we live in the deceiving
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Stream: “The Deceiving” – Tim Atlas
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