Lower Than Atlantis Album Review
Lower Than Atlantis – Far Q
Album review by Ian Dickinson
Lower Than Atlantis (LTA) have risen from the depths of a stagnant Hardcore scene as the articulate and angry voice of Generation Y. The kids of the recession are here and they are thoroughly pissed off.
Anyone who is familiar with LTA will have quite a shock at the transformation that has occurred since the release of the Hertfordshire Hardcore smash em’ up the Bretton EP. That is not to say that LTA have lost any vitriol or spleen, but now it is more focused and distinctive. The subjects and emotions that make up the skeleton of Far Q are not entirely original but these songs are custom built for a new generation. We are the first ones to experience a serious recession in decades, insane levels of binge drinking and the breakdown of face-to-face interaction in society. However depressing that is, it is the reality of life in the UK right now.
There is a wealth of variety on Far Q. Anyone would think that there were at least five different vocalists on this album. The tempo is fast gutter punk combined with bleak grungy moments and some unadulterated dance floor brutality. What is most impressive about this album is that LTA have completely captured the current zeitgeist of Great Britain in 12 tracks.
The album covers the whole spectrum of issues facing the youth of the country right now such as unemployment, booze, debt, drugs and the uncertainty of growing up. There is a surprisingly sentimental aspect to Far Q; “I really don’t like the person I have become, what happened to the little boy who loved his mum?” Missing riding your bike as a kid is juxtaposed against getting hammered and fist fights. This gives the lyrics even more muscle as well as highlighting the emotional contradictions that most of us feel and experience day to day.
The tracks combine melodic and softer aspects which showcase Mike Duce’s (vocals/guitar) versatility but there are still tracks on Far Q that ooze venom in the form of Eating Is Cheating and Extra! Extra! Read All About It, these songs will get any venue bursting with blood, beer and fear.
Duce’s lyrics are observant and posses a dark comedy. The English centric social realism and wit reminds me of Ray Davies from The Kinks, especially with lyrics such as “My mouth is burned to bits and I’m practically drowning in PG tips” from the track I’m Not Bulimic (I Just Wanted To See How Far I Could Stick My Fingers Down My Throat). Although the lyrics are despondent and bad-tempered the riffs and punk drums supplied by Ben Samson (guitars) and Eddy Thrower (drums) keep the overall atmosphere strangely upbeat like a 70s themed funeral.
The descriptive and down to earth lyrics make the songs touching and instantly accessible providing a reason to revisit the tracks time after time. I’m Not Bulimic carries another of my favourite lines; “I’ll try to get a job and stop watching TV all of the time but we all know the best thing since sliced bread is Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.” If anyone has had the misfortune of witnessing the aforementioned TV tripe they will find that line as amusing as I do.
Taping Songs Of The Radio is a tale of musical disaster in our age and is destined for commercial air play. The nightmare of waking one day and realising all the music you have downloaded has vanished forcing you to return to your 90s cassette Walkman. I have to admit the nostalgia of this track has me wanting to make a mix tape and purchase a Walkman from Argos (I am not even sure they sell them any more.) A/S/L? Deals with love in the age of Facebook and Twitter, I am sure that most of us are guilty of online relations at some point and have experienced the embarrassment of being jealous over a comment we have seen on a loved one’s Facebook or MySpace profile. It’s sad but true I fear.
Sonically the biggest surprise is the down tempo Mike Duce’s Symphony no.11 In D Minor. Duce has a unique singing voice and starts the track with a sorrowful and malevolent croon that is harsh and heart wrenching. The song builds slowly to a mighty and powerful crescendo of heavy and consuming screams, drums and guitars. It is the perfect midnight song to put on your Walkman as you walk about town with a cigarette in your mouth, whiskey in your gut and desperation on your mind.
If you look to music for escapism this probably isn’t for you. It is melancholic, violent and disheartening, but it’s good to know you’re not alone. My expectations of Far Q have been entirely surpassed. LTA have broken away from a stagnant scene and done the most brutal thing of all. They have been honest. They have worn their hearts on their sleeves and it has paid off. If LTA do not receive the praise and recognition they deserve for Far Q then this country is more messed up than I had ever feared.
February 22nd, 2010
pretty nice review, thanks for making me more anticipated