Through 11 songs, each one is a different event of Atwater’s life that shows a tragedy he has struggled to move on from. He evinces a clear image of the event in the lyrics and follows through in the chorus and the euphony of the song to unravel his emotions. 

Starting with “threat,” the album’s consistent mood is soft and airy.​​ The track paints a personal image of being vulnerable and dependent in a relationship. Similarly, the vocals and guitar seem to depend on each other to hold the melody, especially with a simple ensemble of an acoustic guitar and occasionally percussion. Despite the minimal instrumentation, Atwater manages to create an immense depth of emotion before the vocals ever begin.

A notable track is “the cage,” which immediately begins with powerful strumming and percussion, specifically a heavy use of snare, an outlier to the restraint

of the rest of the album. It’s filled with comparisons and reflections of life inside and outside of “the cage” that is concealing one’s identity for the fulfillment of others. This track stands out as an energetic expression of inner turmoil, making an outstanding and intriguing disruption in the album. 

The change in dynamics from “the cage” and the prior song “jailer” while maintaining the cohesion of the album’s theme is admirable. Atwater ensures that his audience feels every single emotion he has gone through from the delivery of the lyrics to the background music, clearly being thought out.

The final and titular song is “Achilles.” It is another outlier to the rest of the album, instantly starting

with fervid strumming of the guitar and striking vocals. Atwater alludes to the Greek myth of the Trojan War, specifically regarding Achilles and Patroclus and their notions of being lovers. 

More in-depth, their relationship as a whole, no matter the sort, is conflicted. Patroclus was known to be more open to the public than Achilles, but Achilles often had an aversion to the relationship being widespread. “Achilles” captures and reflects the Greek myth into Atwater’s own life seamlessly.

The majority of the album is very light, constantly portraying that shattering feeling of helplessness through one’s life. Atwater defines his vulnerable moments and creates a valuable experience to share through his music. Although the album lacks musical variety, the consistency makes sense in pushing the familiarity of going through the same mistakes over and over again.