The Ataris‘ first release on Kung Fu Records, ‘Anywhere but here’ shows the band in their rawest and simplest form; but arguably far more effective than any of their most recent material. For those of you expecting a record as packed with moogs, samples and other producing tomfoolery, I think you should be taken over to one side and told this is a very different from the Ataris most people are familiar with.
Starting with the enigmatic and unforgettable ‘1-2-3-4’ (Sewing with Nancie’s ‘Sorry in Advance’ sounds surprisingly similar), 43 seconds of pure uncut power chord action – it’s simple yet somehow captures the mood perfectly, setting up a short but enthusiastic tracklist. One of The Ataris‘ strongest points is their vocals provided by Kris, with equally immature yet sincere lyrical content; ‘As we Speak’ confirms this theory – “beating someone to death with my guitar – but I know I will go far!” summing up an adolescent outlook on life, which is the backbone behind the record. ‘Bite my Tongue’ is slightly more soppy, which lists every lovebound cliche in the book, but the pace and speed of the lyrics saves the song from descending into boredom riddled love song territory.
‘Hey Kid!’ is a song all of us can relate to; we all know someone who just never stops moaning, and it’s summed up here perfectly ‘Just as long as I act cool people will suck up to me, then they’ll realise I’m a fake and that’s what i’m always going to be’ with a very memorable chorus – “Bitch, bitch, bitch… that’s all you ever do” – ‘Hey Kid’ is pure genius, ending up with the defiant and unsympathetic “We’ll see who’s happy in the end!”. ‘Take me back’ manages to endear itself to you, not due to an unusual chord structure or intricate arpeggios, but simply due to a few good lyrics “Baby i’ll give you the world, please forget about those 15 other girls, I didn’t mean to stand you up on our wedding day!”. ‘Are We There Yet?’ is equally as good, with the teenage angst showing it’s face in the form of ‘Angry Nerd Rock’ (subsequently re-recorded for Blue Skies) which is also a ridiculously good song; it’s a slow, hungover, about-to-rip-your-arms off-if-you-say-another-word kind of song, and it’s ace. ‘Let it go’ speeds the whole affair up again, in time for the excellent ‘Lately’, containing such lyrical gems as ‘Lately i’ve been thinking ’bout stickin’ my hand in a toaster’, and the comical ‘sometimes even spock would show a little more emotion’.
‘Alone in Santa Cruz’ isn’t up to the same standard, and if there is skip material here, this is it; but it still has a certain charm about it I just can’t place my finger on. ‘Make it last’ ‘Clara’, ‘Myself’, ‘Neilhouse’ and the entertaining Jawbreaker cover ‘Boxcar’ all help contribute to what is an excellent album; as you find yourself slowly swapping your favourite track for another nearby; lyrics such as “Clara where are you today? Did you make the same mistakes as I did?” are delivered with a conviction you don’t find in many other pop punk acts. The musical enigma that is ‘Ray’ is the most shouting you’ll hear from this particular band, not unwelcome more unexpected; still it’s unique in this context I suppose, but as a hardcore-esque song doesn’t really cut the mustard.
So there you have it. One album which becomes a better listen every time you divert your attention to it. Many argue the Ataris used to be a far more accomplished band, and if End is Forever was the first album you bought I highly recommend you check out a more sincere if not slightly rawer side of the band.
nick