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Celebrating Lower Than Atlantis, 2007 – Forever
The band will be playing their final shows in May 2019.
On 2 December 2018 Lower Than Atlantis announced they would be calling it a day. “After much deliberation,” their statement began, “we’ve heavy heartedly decided to take a break from the band.”
After 11 years of music, they go on to explain, continuing would be a disservice to their fans. Expressing their sheer appreciation for all that has happened since forming in Watford back in 2007, they close with a simple call to action.
“Let’s give LTA the send off she deserves,” they implore. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin explaining just how truly grateful we are so we’ll just have to show you on stage.”
Lower Than Atlantis are referencing their forthcoming farewell shows, scheduled for May 2019 and seeing the four piece take to Manchester, Birmingham and London, concluding with a show at O2 Academy Brixton on Saturday 11 May 2019.
The dates mark a stop for a career spanning five full-length record, each a departure from what has come before and a leap into new territory. Starting life as a hardcore punk band of sorts, yet showing early signs of their forthcoming melodic prowess, the records that follow 2010’s provocatively titled Far Q retain the emotional power of their debut. It’s this that consistently underpins their sound, even as they delve into more musically frivolous territory.
2017’s Safe In Sound, the band’s most recent album, has been heralded as their best to date (courtesy of Kerrang!). Underneath the abundant catchy hooks lies their characteristic understanding of the trials and tribulations of the everyday, pushing their emotional awareness firmly back to the forefront.
As the band prepare for their farewell, promising a new track mixed and produced by band members Mike Duce and Ben Sansom, enjoy this brief look back at the band’s history. “Lower Than Atlantis, 2007 – Forever”, indeed.
The Juggernaut
The current, and now final, incarnation of Lower Than Atlantis is superficially a far cry from their early days, releasing the Bretton EP back in 2008. The Juggernaut is a thunderous slice of hardcore punk, yet one that clearly hints of things to come from Mike Duce’s melodic vocal.
Taping Songs Off The Radio
The song that started the band’s climb into the mainstream, Taping Songs Off The Radio – and indeed much of the rest of their debut full-length Far Q – carries a somewhat softer edge, yet one that doesn’t sacrifice any of the urgency of the preceding EP. The album itself also introduces Duce’s pained vocal delivery on the despondent Mike Duce’s Symphony No.11 in D Minor.
Another Sad Song
Taken from the band’s acclaimed sophomore release World Record, Another Sad Song would become a huge fan favourite at many of their live shows to come. “Don’t cry,” Duce offers before launching into genuine emotional self-deprecation. “We all make mistakes from time to time, unfortunately for me being me was mine.” The lyrics speak to a generation, both then and now, battling with identity and belonging.
Beech Like A Tree
Taken from the same album as Another Sad Song, Beech Like A Tree carries as much emotional turmoil – the personal lack of direction – yet wraps it in an altogether punchier package. At just two minutes in length, it’s one of LTA’s tracks that harks back to their punk beginnings yet brims with honesty and originality.
Love Someone Else
In the short time between World Record and Lower Than Atlantis’ third studio album Changing Tune, they amped their melody up a fair few notches. Love Someone Else, the album’s lead track, marks the band’s first foray into poppier territory. Underneath it however lies the ever distinctive and now unmistakable driving guitars.
Here We Go
Lower Than Atlantis’ 2014 self-titled album, to be declared the album of the year by Rock Sound, perfectly blends the two worlds the band have traversed up until this point. Opener Here We Go is an unapologetic call to arms. At this point in their career LTA aren’t holding any punches, and there’s a newfound swagger pushing the record forward. To date, it remains their biggest hit.
English Kids In America
The sign of a band making the big time, this track from their self-titled album is an ode to breaking the United States. Despite its upbeat tone, the track balances the contradictory excitement and nervousness. As has become a huge part of Lower Than Atlantis’ appeal by this point, they effortlessly embody the anxieties that many of their fanbase experience in both similar and vastly different circumstances.
Had Enough
Taken from 2017’s Safe In Sound, now confirmed as their final album, Lower Than Atlantis’ Had Enough showcases their now anthemic sound. The polish is exceptional, but there’s an unmistakable fight left in them. Perhaps most impressively, Safe In Sound plays like a band settled in their moment. It embraces all that has come before; their attitude, emotional understanding, and powerful delivery.
Lower Than Atlantis will be playing a selection of songs from their 11 year history come May 2019. Here are those final headline dates:
9 May 2019 – Manchester Academy, Manchester
10 May 2019 – O2 Academy, Birmingham
11 May 2019 – O2 Academy Brixton, London
Tickets for Lower Than Atlantis in Manchester, Birmingham and London will be available from 10:00 on Friday 7 December 2018 through Ticketmaster.co.uk.
