Don't let go of this Swedish five-piece
When the punk rock and hardcore genres are thrust together, melody is rarely held with high regard in the aftermath. Swedish five-piece Atlas Losing Grip, on the other hand, appreciate the compositional value that bold and compelling melodies offer and scatter them amongst this energetic thirteen-track release to please and entertain the ears.
Although the album primarily settles in the comfort of the punk/hardcore niche, it is reassuring to discover that various influences have assisted in the diversification of the group's sound. As the opening track, 'Logic' begins, each chord thunders down with formidable strength before exploding in a frenzy of raucous guitars and vigorous drums. With drummer Julian Guedj at the helm, the energetic ensemble pound onwards with Rodrigo Alfaro's harmonious vocals elevated to great effect. Despite each track bearing a melody-tainted chorus, only a handful stand out as memorable; 'Bitter Blood', 'Different Hearts, Different Minds' and 'Hook, Line and Sinker' being three of the stand out songs. The album occasionally succumbs to dips in genuine excitement, with songs like 'Feed the Fire' seemingly possessing all the vital ingredients (deafening drums, bounding vocals, etc.), but they are unable to mix convincingly. Faith is quickly restored as 'Closer to the End' reaches its chorus and offers a reminder as to why 'State of Unrest' deserves to be in your music collection.
Admittedly, there is little originality exercised in Atlas Losing Grip's material; it is very much ground that has been trodden before by the likes of Rise Against. This sensation of familiarity may well be partly induced by the album's production, with the mastering in the capable hands of Jason Livermore; who has previously worked with the aforementioned Chicagoan band. However, the Scandinavian quintet's brand of melodious punk rock is delivered surprisingly well and it comes as no surprise that they toured with legendary punk outfit Bad Religion in 2010. Initial listens to 'State of Unrest' may well be met with mixed feelings; whilst the mixture of punk rock and hardcore elements work effectively, there just don't seem to be hooks that circulate in your mind after listening. However, once further listens are given to album, you begin to realise that the hooks have been there all along, discretely digging themselves into your heart to ensure that you will be singing their powerfully-delivered melodies hours later.