Atoms To Ashes – Blackburn EP

Montreal based alt-rockers Atoms To Ashes ended what they refer to as the ‘Blackburn era’ with a self-produced live-stream show last Friday. As well as performing the EP in full, the band also treated viewers by dipping into their back catalogue.

“This was definitely a new but exciting experience for us,” they disclose. “Technology has definitely come a long way and allowed us to offer a high-quality show to our fans scattered all over the world – fans that most likely would have never been able to see us in a live setting.”

It’s worth noting that this isn’t their first foray into independent ventures, with two self-released EPs – ‘Heartless’ (2014) and ‘Through the Storm’ (2017) already under their collective belt. Friends for the better part of two decades, the band have slogged away to hone their craft, with this year’s ‘Blackburn’ the summation of the ‘winning combination’ they’ve worked to perfect over the years.

Across the 5 tracks, Atoms To Ashes deliver a neat line in glossy, strutting rock. Opener ‘Like A Bullet’ strides in, all riffy and choppy and capturing the spirit of some wrestler’s entrance music; the vibe echoed in ‘Break The Silence’, which adds an element of electronic atop the ringing chords of its grandiose. In a more intimate moment, ‘Feels Like Home’ creeps around on its chord progression, building and spiralling, but never *quite* breaking. Frontman Chris Starr’s understated, breathy delivery and the use of warm keys and layered vocals mould it into an evocative torchlight anthem. ‘Back To You’ finds a middle lane – starting small and confidential, before breaking into a fist-pumping dramedy end-credit arrangement. Final track ‘Bring Me Down’ ups the positive, punchy mood, ending the EP with a defiant message. Applause to the guys’ independent spirit.

And away from the actual music, ATA’s active participation across social media illustrates the reciprocity of tireless graciousness between band and fans: “Seeing how happy and grateful the fans felt to be able to be a part of the Blackburn Album launch show is definitely one of the best rewards a band can ever have.”

Like your tunes loftily constructed from lustre, forsaking all scruff? Find everything Atom To Ashes HERE.