Love Is in the “Atmosphere” for Squares in His Latest Ethereal Single
- Isabella Basile
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Created by Chris Barrett, pulls together influences of R&B, pop, and rock to create the smooth sound of Squares. Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Barrett strives to showcase what influenced him throughout his upbringing and musical career. With their first release, S.O.S in 2021, Squares discovered their sound, which fit like a glove. With their new EP, Arrival, Squares developed a more textured and complete sound, calling the EP Arrival because, according to Barrett, "I finally felt like I came to a point where my music, and my artistry are at a truly mature point."
Arrival’s lead single, "Atmosphere," is filled with galactic themes and love. And much like the galaxy, love is infinite when you find the one. But with love comes challenges, change, fear, and emotions we don't always understand. Filled with intoxicating lyrics and harmonies, "Atmosphere" immerses you into the dreamlike universe and the power of love.
We are led into "Atmosphere" with an ethereal blend of echoes, guitar, and soft vocals, setting a celestial tone. The lyrics featuring words like "star," "moon," "skyrocket," and "galaxy," float in with harmonies that call to mind the golden era of boy bands.
"'Atmosphere' is so properly named, in that the composition, lyrics, and its sonic textures are meant to be completely uplifting. Although a story of love, it also touches on the difficulty of maintaining love, passion, and common ground in a relationship." - Chris Barrett
Seemingly a hopeless romantic, Barrett knows that to live is to love, because "when you’re in this atmosphere love is the oxygen," but with love comes struggles where "you’re words are suffocation airborne toxins," but once you find the one for you, you can "settle in the atmosphere." Love is in your soul, it is our oxygen, it is our way of life, and once we find love, we gravitate to their atmosphere.
Following the chorus, the bridge comes in with "Dance in your light only now / but will it capsize on me," introducing us to a new melody and riffs on words such as "capsize." More harmonies are added to words like "desire" and "fire." Followed by yet again more harmonies on the lyrics "showers in the dead of night" by riffing downward on the word "night."
During the penultimate chorus, we're presented with a new chord at the word "atmosphere," contrasting the word "settles" that comes before and after it. Followed by the chorus and echoey fadeout.
LONG STORY SHORT: "Atmosphere" is a song about the kind of love you need to survive, the kind you breathe, see, and can’t live without. Its galactic soundscape amplifies the song’s message: once you find the right person, you can "settle into the atmosphere" together.
Stream "Atmosphere" below!
Credits:
Vocals and Guitar: Chris Barrett
Production: Chris Barrett and Austin Bello
Mixing: Austin Bello
Mastering: Eric Hillebrecht
