Boston/New York-based project Atlas & Oracle continue to chart an unconventional path with their latest single, “Right and Wrong.” Known for their genre-fluid style, the group fuses elements of ska, pop punk, synth pop, and art-rock into a sound that is deliberately hard to categorize. “Right and Wrong” exemplifies this approach, balancing upbeat brass and rhythmic drive with unexpected tonal shifts and playful dissonance.
While the ska influence is present in the track’s structure and instrumentation, Atlas & Oracle avoid straightforward revivalism. Instead, they incorporate electronic textures, sharp tempo changes, and unconventional melodic choices that push the boundaries of what ska-pop-punk can sound like. The result is a track that’s energetic and danceable, yet complex and occasionally unsettling.
Lyrically, “Right and Wrong” hints at themes of conflict and duality, echoing the musical push and pull between accessibility and experimentation. It stands as a continuation of the band’s distinctive aesthetic, previously showcased on releases like Sad Songs With Happy Endings, where irreverence and emotional depth coexist.
For listeners open to challenging and inventive pop frameworks rooted in punk and ska traditions, “Right and Wrong” offers a compelling and singular experience.
