I can see why "Atoms", a track from Roses - the debut album from Atlanta-based Awful Records' 'Darkwave Duchess' Abra - was not released as a single or released with a music video. While it is another great example of Abra's ability to blend smooth R&B melodies with lo-fi 80s synth-pop sounds, the track lacks a memorable hook to sink itself into the average music listener's memory. Her vocal performance on the track is competent, but lacks the urgency and gravity to be genuinely compelling.
But I nevertheless find the track pleasant enough to listen to on repeat, due to its memorable lyricism. Abra juxtaposes an abstract chorus ('Cause I am more than atoms and notions/Smoke mirrors and potions/ A bag of bones in motion/ Come drown in my ocean') with the details about a messy separation from an ex-lover, presenting both vulnerability and confidence as she buckles down on her decision to maintain her distance from 'a rolling stone/ A heartless soul or a bag of bones with no control':
You know you can do what you pleaseIf leaving is your goal, then please go by all meansI will not hold you down so give me back my keysBut, first, come get your shit and wash my bed sheetsI cannot stomach all the smells of who you used to beAnd, men of my imagination cannot lay with meAnd, men of my imagination cannot stay with meWhat, so you mad?Didn’t you say it ain't that serious, in fact?Did you seriously expect me to be sad?Maybe am but baby you won’t see none of thatHe said, "You crazy lady"I said, "You ain't seen nothing yet, baby"
Lyrics: Genius
Abra's layered vocals and synthesizer beats cruise along with a breezy momentum, while her lyrics reveal that the emotional closure she desires is still elusive. The mixture of youthfulness and maturity makes this track relatable to young and old audiences alike, while establishing Abra as another connoisseur of heartbreak:
'Well, I’m poor in peace and I’m poor in serenitySo, I’ll pour me up another one of theseAnd if this too should pass, well I’ll drink to thatWe could pour me into an hourglass'
