Review: The Smashing Pumpkins Release Second Act of Atum: A Rock Opera
- by Harley Houghton
- in Reviews
After stunning fans back in November with Atum: A Rock Opera Act One, the Smashing Pumpkins have outdone themselves with the follow-up, Act Two. It has been well-known since September 2022 that the intention was for Atum to be a three-part release, staggered between November 2022 and April 2023. Act One blew everyone’s minds with 11 wonderful tracks, masterfully constructed and proving that the Pumpkins are better than ever.
Act Two takes us deeper into the rabbit hole with 11 fresh songs, and it is impossible to resist leaping in headfirst. Maintaining the guitar-heavy focus that was prevalent during Act One, you feel as if you are being pulled along for the ride and then pushed sharply in an entirely different direction. Listening to it, you get the sense that you do not really know what to expect next. But you remain certain you will love where it takes you.
But Act Two is not only a sequel to Act One. The entire project of Atum is the continuation of the story of the character created in the previous albums, Zero, Glass, and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Now known as “Shiny” this character is much older and continues their journey throughout life. An ambitious project it may seem, but for a genius like Billy Corgan, it is achieved with seemingly effortless grace.
For a time, fans worried about the Pumpkins future. The departure of the original bass player, Darcy Wretzky in 1999, saw them soon struggle to find a long-term replacement. But fortunately, after a few hiccups, existing member James Iha answered the call, filling the bass void. And they have been stronger than ever, barely even seeming hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, unlike so many other bands.
The Smashing Pumpkins have continued to record and release albums consistently, in 2018, 2020, and 2022. It seems, if anything, the lockdowns had them emerge like a phoenix from the ashes with this three-album rock opera masterpiece in the works. Corgan has always been a man who has lived and breathed music, and it shows in not only his performances but also his production skills.
Don’t miss out on this one. Check out Atum: A Rock Opera Act Two, available on all streaming platforms today.
