Aussie pop-punk outift Stand Atlantic finally made their long awaited return to the UK, playing tracks off their acclaimed album Pink Elephant. However, they are storming onwards to the next chapter: F.E.A.R. (Fuck Everything And Run), their chaotic, unpredictable third album, is out this May via Hopeless Records.
Chatting to frontwoman Bonnie Fraser and bassist Miki Rich backstage before the show, Stand Atlantic told me how this tour felt almost in the middle of two album cycles, and the challenge of striking a balance between the Pink Elephant tracks - which are nearly two years old - and new material. Fraser described F.E.A.R. as an 'anti-concept' album; a true, honest reflection of her thoughts and feelings, epitomised by some exotic track titles concerning garlic bread and Molotov cocktails.
The aggressive 'molotov [OK]' was a bold end to their set, leaving the crowd with a powerful aftertaste of adrenaline, whilst other new tracks 'deathwish' and 'pity party' made earlier appearances in the set. The broad Stylus stage and wireless guitar systems gave the band license to dart around from start to finish, effortlessly dominating the extra space that they have well and truly earnt. Opener 'Jurassic Park' and classic 'Lavender Bones' sounded particularly enormous, while the stripped-back 'Toothpick' brought them up close and personal as they gave a unique rendition from Stylus' elevator.
Teasing the announcement to me before the show, Stand Atlantic have been officially unveiled for Slam Dunk 2022, which takes place on Friday 3rd June at Temple Newsam Park in Leeds. Tickets are on sale here, and you can also pre-order F.E.A.R. via this link.
Keep an eye out for the full-length interview with Stand Atlantic, coming soon to Leeds Student TV.
Words and Photos by Rishi Shah
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