Album Review: Stand Atlantic - 'f.e.a.r.'
In all that is good and lowercase, Australian punks Stand Atlantic have come back stronger than ever with their latest record f.e.a.r.
Following on from the 2020 album Pink Elephant, this is an album that sees the band taking things a little louder, a little rougher, and getting a little help from their friends (and family). The leading single ‘deathwish’ features nothing,nowhere and was the best single to release to give an overall tone for the album; while keeping with the Stand Atlantic ethos of being badasses in the catchiest and moshiest way, it shows they aren’t afraid to recruit help where they want it. Not need it, want it.
Every track manages to be a little different to others surrounding it. A little more, or a little less. A little faster, or a little slower. The diversity that keeps pop punk alive and thriving as the years and decades go by. Take the differences between ‘switchblade’ and ‘bloodclot’ on the record: one is speedier and grittier with a guitar solo that will live through the ages and airwaves; the other is a little slower to begin with and takes a different tone as it progresses. Diversity is interesting, and interesting is always what keeps a band moving and keeps the fans following along for the ride.
As the album comes nearer to the end, ‘cabin fever’ is where the power of the emotion hits its true peak. With a song touching upon running away from haunting thoughts and words, and even frontwoman Bonnie Fraser admitting to turning her musical creations into “some real weird shit”, it’s one of the best bops on the record and one that is memorable if not for the lyrics or Fraser’s half-screamed half-sung lyrics, but for the feature of Fraser’s own mother. Credited as “my literal mum” in the title, here’s to you and your one line of fame, Mrs Fraser.
Ending with a candid and comical 40-second clip of Fraser bantering with her crew, it shows that even through the unpredictability of the 2020s so far and with the pressure of creating and releasing new music, Stand Atlantic are still having the time of their lives and living the way they wish to. Without regret, without sorrow and for sure without fear.
If there is one album you listen to that will reassure you that pop punk is only getting bigger and stronger, let it be this one. Do not live in f.e.a.r.
Words by Jo Cosgrove
