i-ATLAS – Beyond The New Horizon: A Bold First Step Into Something Bigger

Written by Glen Parkes

There is something refreshing about a band that arrives with a clear sense of identity rather than simply following whatever musical path happens to be fashionable. Bognor Regis alternative trio i-ATLAS make their debut with Beyond The New Horizon, a five-track EP that immediately establishes a band willing to experiment while keeping rhythm, melody and songwriting firmly at its core.

Formed in 2025, the trio of Dougy, Ondy and Marcus have created a sound that feels considerably bigger than the traditional three-piece format might suggest. Bass, drums and guitar provide the foundations, while effects, programming and production add layers of industrial texture and atmosphere.

The EP opens with ‘Freak The Trance’, an appropriately energetic introduction that wastes little time demonstrating the band’s rhythm-led approach. There is an underlying sense of controlled chaos here, with the groove constantly pushing forward while the production gives the track additional depth.

Then comes ‘Touch The Sky’, the EP’s advance single and arguably its defining statement. Built around themes of aspiration, resilience and self-determination, the track carries an uplifting message without sacrificing the harder edges of i-ATLAS’s sound. The influence of alternative and hard rock is evident, but there is also an adventurous streak that prevents the song from becoming predictable.

‘Rather Me Than You’ continues the journey, shifting the emphasis while retaining that distinctive rhythmic backbone. It is followed by ‘3iAtlas’, where the band’s willingness to incorporate electronic and atmospheric elements becomes even more apparent. Rather than feeling like decoration, these textures form an important part of the group’s overall sonic identity.

Closing track ‘No Time’ brings the EP to a fitting conclusion, leaving the listener with the impression that this is very much a beginning rather than a finished statement.

The influences are broad, from the rhythmic aggression of Rage Against The Machine to the exploratory nature of David Bowie, alongside the melodic sensibilities associated with U2 and Duran Duran. Crucially, though, i-ATLAS don’t sound like a tribute act to any of them. They have taken those ingredients and begun developing something of their own.

Beyond The New Horizon is an ambitious debut from a band with plenty of room to grow. Five tracks may only be the first chapter, but i-ATLAS have already made one thing clear: they intend to travel beyond the obvious.