The Ataris

Blue Skies, Broken Hearts… Next 12 Exits (Kung Fu)
by Scott Hefflon

These young ‘uns have come so far so fast it’s almost frightening. They have a record on Kung Fu, an EP on Fat, they’ve been on numerous comps, and they’ve toured with pretty much everyone that matters in American pop-punk. Their first LP was produced by the Vandals’ Warren Fitzgerald, the EP was produced by Descendents/ALLites Bill & Stephen, and this sucker’s done by Lagwagon’s Joey Cape. But all that’s just facts and figures, ain’t it? What really matters is that, aside from the obvious perk of being good musicians and having a singer with a pleasant, recognizable-with-time voice, The Ataris write great songs. Songs you can sing along with before they’ve finished the first time through. And while there seem to be more emo tendencies on this record, there’re still moments the likes of which Hagfish, Nerf Herder, Weezer, and a few of the top-notch peppy punk bands can achieve. Similar to Lagwagon, these guys have the ability to snarl out a line, impress you with dynamics and inventive guitar rhythms, then break your heart with the mixture of heartfelt lyrics and the near-cracking-with-emotion of the voice. But The Ataris also have the good graces to write peppy pop anthems you wanna blast with all the windows open, singing along at the top of your lungs with a carload of friends cool enough to understand how much these guys fuckin’ rule, wagging your tongue at all the morons who stare at you cuz they just don’t get it. Pity the fools. Fave moments are “San Dimas High School Football Rules” (also on the Look Forward to Failure EP and Life in the Fat Lane) and “I Won’t Spend Another Night Alone,” but there’s plenty to love in these 14 songs.
(PO Box 3061 Seal Beach, CA 90740)