Athlete: Stephen Roberts , Joel Pott, Carey Willetts, Tim Wanstall.
Additional personnel: Marie-Juliette Beer (vocals); Jonny Pilcher (guitars); Stella Page (strings).
Previous Athlete efforts offered a modern-day update on the Britpop formula--adding subtle loops and synthesizers to sweeping rock arrangements. On the band's third album, BEYOND THE NEIGHBORHOOD, brooding electronics and experimental percussion are brought to the fore, submerging perfect pop melodies and hooks within textural, gently modulating layers. Featuring the melodramatic sentimentality of lead singer Joel Pott over driving piano arrangements, BEYOND THE NEIGHBORHOOD is dramatic, emotional pop presented in cinematic panorama.