John Attis, the artist behind new project the rising sign, shares centuries, a striking and experimental track taken from the debut album whatever is real, released on January 24, 2025. With a sound that blends ambient textures, poetic lyricism, and an expressive baritone vocal, centuries offers a distinct take on art-pop and experimental songwriting.
centuries begins with slow-moving chords that drift between harmonic spaces, accompanied by a subtle rhythmic pulse. As the piece unfolds, the vocal arrives with dramatic intensity—Attis’s delivery drawing comparisons to Scott Walker in tone and phrasing. Operatic and orchestral textures weave through the background, with glitchy electronics and atmospheric woodwinds adding a surreal and cinematic quality to the production.
The track evokes the stillness of the hours just before dawn, where time seems suspended and thoughts move in abstract cycles. Attis’s lyrics explore existential themes through poetic imagery, layered over a minimal yet emotionally resonant arrangement. The result is a piece that feels suspended between waking and dreaming, balancing structure with fluidity.
centuries is one of several tracks on whatever is real, the debut full-length from the rising sign. The album explores themes of love, loss, revenge, and reflection, combining experimental instrumentation with an expressive vocal style. Drawing from a background in classical training and songwriting, Attis creates a deeply personal and stylistically eclectic work.
centuries stands out as a reflective and carefully crafted piece that captures the introspective and emotionally charged nature of the rising sign‘s debut. The project marks a distinctive return to music for Attis, whose approach is both unconventional and deeply considered.
