Atmosphere, “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously.”

So Many Realities Exist Simultaneously, the newest album from underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere, is a multiverse unto itself. Producer Anthony “Ant” Davis takes listeners on a multi-genre-inspired journey in surrealism while Slug (Sean Daley) raps about different forms of lived reality, whether manifested within global culture or the human experience.

“Okay” soothes listeners immediately with a calm plinking xylophone intro that transitions to an upbeat and happy tune led by an organ. Slug complements the melody, reassuring listeners. “It’ll be OK/ Even if you’re feeling there ain’t no way/ You’re here today,” he raps, speaking to struggles with depression and suicidal ideation. The song speaks to contemporary social issues and thought, introducing some of the themes of this album. The ending also introduces one of many seamless transitions Ant embeds throughout the album, via surreal ascending notes and airy, whooshing, modulated percussion.

“Eventide” introduces a rock vibe, a la Carlos Santana (continued on “Sterling”) that shows just how immersive and well-integrated Ant keeps the production with the themes. Slug’s voice becomes more pronounced and clear after rapping, “Then clearly I’m on the right drugs severely/ Block the dealer, stop communications.”

Atmosphere also transitions well from one musically inspired genre to the next. Case in point: “Dotted Lines,” which marries psychedelic rock with hip-hop. The hand percussion and reverb at the end introduces the electronic and synthetic sounds of “In My Head.” Slug’s flow is faster and slightly more aggressive than other songs, contributing to the feeling of anxiety and paranoia through an offbeat stream of consciousness.

“Tell me it’s a government experiment/ They study from a secret bunker underneath the pyramids/ Go ahead and give whatever explanation/ But please don’t try to make me admit that I’m being visited by spacemen,” Slug pleads.

Some of the despair felt on “In My Head” (“I can’t move …The rest of my parts won’t start)” appears on other songs. “Thanxiety” is especially anxiety-inducing in sound, as Ant introduces an 8-bit chiptune that continues on successive songs.

“I don’t believe the protagonist really wants to die,” Slug raps on “September Fool’s Day,” nodding to fiction which, with the chiptune, has the vibe of arcade game boss levels. The song alludes to the simulation theory on our collective reality, as well as our repetitive and constant struggles in life, be it in capitalism’s rat race or drug addiction.

Through that despair shines some semblance of hope through relatable experiences. “Still Life” begins soothingly with London artist Murkage Dave singing a cappella before the breakdown introduces some grounding in lighthearted synths and bass riffs that transition the record to an R&B and soul realm.

“A lotta pain/ Been shooting from the sky/ And the tears they fall,” Murkage Dave sings, validating the grief that modern-day struggles can evoke while Slug seeks solidarity on these feelings through musings like, “Do you recall if all of it always felt so out of control?”

Soul-based “After Tears,” with Sa-Roc (Assata Perkins), and funk-filled “Positive Space” further describe that sadness through heartbreak and ache, and are closely followed by Slug’s personal reflections on his growth on “Bigger Pictures.”

Although almost every song briefly encourages or mentions human tenacity despite adversity, “Alright” is the direct continuation of that reassurance. This reprise of opener “Okay” encapsulates the rollercoaster of troubling emotions on So Many Realities Exist Simultaneously.

“I think I’m feeling all right,” Slug raps while telling us to “Stay aware of where you put your best foot/ It’s gonna be all good.”

Whether someone’s lived reality is a struggle with depression, anxiety, heartbreak or the fabric of the entire universe, there’s some comfort you can take in knowing you’re not alone.