The Ataris
Look Forward to Failure (Fat Wreck Chords)
By: Alex Steininger
A four-piece from Santa Barbara, California, these 'kids' play very melodic pop-punk with teen angst directed towards girls, crushes, and love. This six song EP packs the guitar hooks, sweet punk beats, and bouncy rhythms in a fast, energetic package.Starting off with "San Dimas High School Football Rules," The Ataris instantly have you hooked with some fast, distorted guitars, a hammering rhythm section, and melodic vocals that you can sing along and relate with. Setting the topic for the whole album, the song tells the tale of a girl, a crush, and a boy's need to try to obtain the love of the girl he lusts for.
Then there is the movie star crush every guy carries with him. "My So Called Life" is The Ataris' love song for Claire Danes. Just like the opener, the song is moderately fast. Packing screeching guitars, the non-stop slam of the drums, and a powerhouse of a bass, the song is full of fierce blows that will knock you on your ass if you don't pay attention.
Ending with "That Special Girl," off of their forthcoming full-length, The Ataris close out everything with some more Southern Cali pop-punk sure to put a jump in your walk.
Young and energetic, their music reflects their energy and love for catchy pop-punk. So catchy, in fact, you won't be able to listen without jumping around and singing along with every word. I'll give this album an A-.
