Atmosphere Makes Us Move

© Dave Vann / RumBum.com

Atomsphere gets it goin at Lollapalooza

The biggest mistake many Lollagaggers made on Saturday - getting to Grant Park late in the afternoon. Those early to arrive did have to contend with searing afternoon heat, sure. But the rewards came with sweet music, frequently from up and coming sources. Anyone new to the sounds of Atmosphere was in for some afternoon delight. Slug and Ant were in rare form, and provided a much-needed dose of lyrically blazing indie hip hop for a crowd in dire need of sustenance.

Blazing Despite the Heat

Slug was out to energize from the minute he hit the stage. Inciting fans to wave their hands, sing along, or "make out with strangers," he dropped lyrical bombs from their 2002 album God Loves Ugly, and 2003's Seven's Travels. Atmosphere is a rarity in the world of hip hop music - Slug's efficacy is all in his wordplay. Ant's production tends to be more on the mellow tip, using sometimes only spare, spacey beats and acoustic guitar as the sonic backdrop. Atmosphere's brand of hip hop isn't necessarily built for a "wave ya hands in the air, and wave em like you just don't care" kind of mood.

Could the genius of Atmosphere's atmosphere translate to a big stage show? Yes yes, y'all. For anyone who doubted whether or not Atmosphere could deliver the goods, the booming bass blasted away all doubt. Despite an acoustic session that weeded out the real fans from the curious onlookers, Slug's intensity seemed to outshine the sun. Although fans wilted in the almost-100 degree heat everyone remained rapt, eagerly drinking in the lyrics like they were ice cold lemonade.

Bigger Than Guns

A performance at Lolla would be nothing without the hits, and Atmosphere kept their fans happy by performing the songs we all wanted to hear. "God Loves Ugly" got the people chanting for more, and they lingered on that album by dishing out "Modern Man's Hustle," and "Blame Game." The second half of their set was flawless enough for fans to rave that Atmosphere was the performance to beat. "Guns and Cigarettes" got hands in the air, "Trying to Find a Balance" got heads nodding and everyone rapping along. "Shrapnel," then "Sunshine" made for one of those ideal Lollapalooza moments, one nation united under a groove, alongside a Chicago skyline shimmering in the summer sun.

» Gallery