Atlas Sound Essentials

Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox explores his poignant and sensual side in this solo project, folding smooth '60s-style pop into velvety ambient loops. With his debut album as Atlas Sound in 2008, Cox set about reining in the noisier squall of his other band. He softens the guitars and mutes the beats, taking the pace down to an oceanic sway and sending his sleepy vocals out to bob among the gentle waves. Adding to the dreaminess is Cox's stream-of-consciousness narrative, which vacillates between sombre melancholy and youthful exuberance.