Rhode Island’s punk rock trio Atlantic Thrills is releasing its punchy third album soon. On this disc, Atlantic Thrills III, the trio create a sound that represents the way people have to kick, scratch, and claw their way through their daily lives. It’s a jungle out there folks, and Atlantic Thrills show what it takes to make it today, punk rock style.
Opening cut “Ain’t No thin” finds the guys making their case with a shout-sing lead vocal surrounded by a scratchy guitar and a feisty rhythm section. Smoother harmony vocals contrast perfectly with a rough edged guitar sound, creating a dynamic to keep the listener listening. The song gets even scrappier before a segue into a pump action series of drum fills that keep the energy flowing and the vocals coming.
“Where I Go” continues the energy with a brisker pace. A lead vocal, a cooing backing vocal, and a driving trio of guitar-bass-drums give this one the energy of a spinning top. Hearing that vocal coo humming in the space between the lead vocal and the instruments give this a pleasant feeling, like hearing something that reminds of an old familiar favorite song while the outer shell of the song kicks butt.
A surf influence guitar skips around merrily on “Out In The Light.” Groove surfing vocals play out smoothly, reminding of an earlier time in American music while the rhythm section punches out a series of drum fills and bass guitar strikes that keep this tune filled with plenty of motion. It’s cooler than cool to hear all of the moving, skittering instrumental lines moving together in this piece of fun.
Blending a 1960s pop sensibility with a subdued punk sound, “The One And Only” is a catchy little ditty. With harmony coos traveling over a flinty guitar line and a tight rhythmic bop, this one could be heard on a radio station that travels time to different years. The lead guitar phrasing shines brightly, ts line moving sharply through a twisty, turning groove. The lead vocal, too, is a treat for the ears, a voice smooth and it slips and slides in out of the groove like a silk glove.
“Dirty Love” returns us to the less polite side of Atlantic Thrills. A grinding lead guitar and a gruffly abrupt rhythm section pushes all out of its way. The lead guitar’s spiky peaks and valley motions inject more movement before the rhythm section kicks the song through the goal post with an effective mash up of bass bumps and drum fills. One can also not get enough the singer’s attitude drenched vocals as well as the harmony vocals oh-ing around him, voices that add a second layer of catchy.
Based on oddly inspiring events, “Fucked Up Things” gets a sweet sixties spiky guitar, a lead line that blossoms and spreads sweetly, adding a fun sense of acceptance to the messed up things they do. An easy going bass run and a pattern of light drum fills adds to the sense of casual activities that could lead to any kind of outcome.
“So Dumb” is another appropriately named song. The lead vocalist and the backing singers sound like they’re enjoying their mischief. Its bouncy groove and its pushy guitar create an anthem feel that perfectly supports a clever outlay of vocals. “Heart Attack” sounds like a serious title but the song isn’t. A chirpy upbeat lead vocal, supported by a joyous chorus, and upheld by a gritty mash of bass-drums-guitar in tight unison adds more to the punk flavor, party vibe of this album. A lead guitar break stirs the pot a bit and gives a nice edgy finish.
“Better Off Dead” is one of those songs that announce itself with a slight psychedelic splash. Echoing electric guitar chords and abrupt vocals lead to an only slightly calmer atmosphere. With a little bit of darkness in the cooing harmonies, the song is dominated by a wildly loose electric guitar phrase.
The bouncy joy of “Give It All” finds the trio’s mash of guitar-bass-drums in a jumpy frenzy, and the lead guitar break is a blast, raw, fast, and punchy. Over this fast paced grit is a blend of lead and harmony vocals that give it an oldie flair and beneath it is a bossy rhythm section loaded with thick wedges of notes and fills.
Close out track “Bone Rattle” has the mightiest rumble of the album, the sharpest guitar line, and the rhythm section’s urgency is beautifully tense. Again, an exchange of lead and backing vocals put a spinning motion atop this song while the guys rock out beneath the vocal lines.
Atlantic Thrills have accomplished something significant. They’ve realized a sound all their own while also reminding us of their 1970s punk rock, early rock, and surf rock influences. The trio will likely be even more engaging when they play this material live. Their CD Release Party will be on June 6 with special guests Ravi Shavi, Gymshorts, and singer-songwriter Malyssa BellaRosa at AS220 at 115 Empire Street in Providence, Rhode Island at 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm
AS220 Calendar — Atlantic Thrills record release! with Ravi Shavi + Gymshorts + Malyssa Bellarosa
