The Rising Sign’s debut album Whatever Is Real is a masterful exploration of emotions, blending experimental textures with a haunting sense of intimacy. Released on January 24, 2025, this eight-track record is a heartfelt project by John Attis, a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Northampton, UK. Having crafted the album in his home studio, Attis draws on his classical training as a saxophonist to create a sound that is as eclectic as it is captivating.
What sets Whatever Is Real apart is its stylistic variety. From the tender melancholy of piano ballads to the raw energy of guitar-driven freakouts, Attis creates a deeply immersive sonic journey. Tracks like Nocturne and In Two highlight his poetic lyricism and romantic baritone, offering listeners both introspection and a touch of theatricality reminiscent of legends like Nick Cave and Tom Waits. The album also flirts with electronic elements and neoclassical arrangements, showcasing Attis’s willingness to push creative boundaries.
The album delves into the vast spectrum of human experience of grief, longing, joy, and nostalgia while inspired by the introspective prose of Clarice Lispector. Attis doesn’t just write songs; he dissects moments, holding them to the light in ways that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.
This album is a must-listen for dreamers and thinkers alike. Follow The Rising Sign on social media to join this incredible journey, and add Whatever Is Real to your playlist it’s an emotional masterpiece worth every listen.