Attalus

Imagine what it might sound like if Emery were influenced by the big band jazz sounds of the 1940s. Now take out most of the screams and throw in a chunk of 90s melodic punk and some classic Stavesacre for good measure. The resulting mix is Attalus, as heard on The Greater Tide EP.

After a haunting piano intro, the album launches into full steam with “The Rich and the Poor,” a dark and fast swing-punk tune that boldly proclaims “A man makes money, but money doesn’t make the man.” The guitar squeals all over the place, and at times this song is just begging for some gang vocals. A subtle piano ties it all together, barely containing the immense energy flowing through this track. Things get even heavier on “Behind Your Eyes,” which has some screaming and a high backing vocal on the bridge, giving an epic feel that blends surprisingly well with the thick pop-punk ending that reminds me of Craig’s Brother or Slick Shoes. The rest of the album continues with strong melodies, frantic guitar, light piano, and an overall dark feel, driven by such lines as “Take a lesson from the man who failed,” from the song “Message in a Bottle,” which tells of being saved by grace physically and spiritually after driving drunk and getting in a terrible car accident. It’s unclear whether the wreck is real or a metaphor, because the lyrics address it in both ways, showing the creative and thoughtful writing that went into this record. The haunting piano melody from the intro returns for the closing ballad, “The Greater Tide,” a chilling, profound, and ultimately uplifting song about death at sea for those who “kept their promise to the grave,” seemingly talking about martyrs while pointing to the One who raises them up and makes them new on the other side.

Overall: Not too long ago, I said I needed to go to Indiana because so many good bands are coming out of that state these days. With this release, I am convinced that North Carolina must also be a happening place. I keep hearing about people coming and going from NC lately, and now I know why. Attalus have just exploded into my musical consciousness, and I will not be taking this EP out of rotation for some time. There is so much passion behind these songs, from the blazing rock songs to the heartfelt piano parts. At times the production sounds sloppy, but that doesn’t necessarily harm the sound here. This music could stand on its own, but the lyrics make it all the better, dealing with life and faith in deep and personal ways. If you like Emery, 7-10 Split, or Stavesacre, this is one release you won’t want to miss. - Indie Vision Music

Imagine what it might sound like if Emery were influenced by the big band jazz sounds of the 1940s. Now take out most of the screams and throw in a chunk of 90s melodic punk and some classic Stavesacre for good measure. The resulting mix is Attalus, as heard on The Greater Tide EP.

After a haunting piano intro, the album launches into full steam with “The Rich and the Poor,” a dark and fast swing-punk tune that boldly proclaims “A man makes money, but money doesn’t make the man.” The guitar squeals all over the place, and at times this song is just begging for some gang vocals. A subtle piano ties it all together, barely containing the immense energy flowing through this track. Things get even heavier on “Behind Your Eyes,” which has some screaming and a high backing vocal on the bridge, giving an epic feel that blends surprisingly well with the thick pop-punk ending that reminds me of Craig’s Brother or Slick Shoes. The rest of the album continues with strong melodies, frantic guitar, light piano, and an overall dark feel, driven by such lines as “Take a lesson from the man who failed,” from the song “Message in a Bottle,” which tells of being saved by grace physically and spiritually after driving drunk and getting in a terrible car accident. It’s unclear whether the wreck is real or a metaphor, because the lyrics address it in both ways, showing the creative and thoughtful writing that went into this record. The haunting piano melody from the intro returns for the closing ballad, “The Greater Tide,” a chilling, profound, and ultimately uplifting song about death at sea for those who “kept their promise to the grave,” seemingly talking about martyrs while pointing to the One who raises them up and makes them new on the other side.

Overall: Not too long ago, I said I needed to go to Indiana because so many good bands are coming out of that state these days. With this release, I am convinced that North Carolina must also be a happening place. I keep hearing about people coming and going from NC lately, and now I know why. Attalus have just exploded into my musical consciousness, and I will not be taking this EP out of rotation for some time. There is so much passion behind these songs, from the blazing rock songs to the heartfelt piano parts. At times the production sounds sloppy, but that doesn’t necessarily harm the sound here. This music could stand on its own, but the lyrics make it all the better, dealing with life and faith in deep and personal ways. If you like Emery, 7-10 Split, or Stavesacre, this is one release you won’t want to miss. - Indie Vision Music

For the past couple of weeks, The Greater Tide has been on constant repeat on my iPod. This impressive EP was crafted by an up and coming alt. rock group, Attalus, out of North Carolina. According to frontman Seth Davey, their moniker comes from the name of a second century Christian martyr, serving as a reminder of his “faith and devotion.” Attalus’ debut offers a little bit of everything from upbeat, guitar-driven rockers to melancholy tracks (à la Thrice) to an ambient, piano-based ballad that closes out the record. Check out an acoustic version of “One Defining Spark” from The Greater Tide, below. If you like what you hear, be sure to pick up a digital copy of their EP on iTunes. - Christianmusiczine.com

For the past couple of weeks, The Greater Tide has been on constant repeat on my iPod. This impressive EP was crafted by an up and coming alt. rock group, Attalus, out of North Carolina. According to frontman Seth Davey, their moniker comes from the name of a second century Christian martyr, serving as a reminder of his “faith and devotion.” Attalus’ debut offers a little bit of everything from upbeat, guitar-driven rockers to melancholy tracks (à la Thrice) to an ambient, piano-based ballad that closes out the record. Check out an acoustic version of “One Defining Spark” from The Greater Tide, below. If you like what you hear, be sure to pick up a digital copy of their EP on iTunes. - Christianmusiczine.com

While Attalus is new to the music scene, the North Carolina-based quintet proves to be a promising band. Their debut, The Greater Tide EP offers an appealing alternative rock sound that can best be described as Thrice meets House of Heroes.

Attalus will keep listeners on their toes with frequent change-ups in style and rhythm. Take the second track "The Rich and Poor." On the verses, it encompasses a crisp, fast-paced drum beat, sizzling guitar riffs, and a faint piano motif that graces over top of it all. The chorus takes a slower rhythm and melancholy chord progressions, putting the focus on the hook-laden melody. Another musically intriguing track, "Behind Your Eyes" starts full but quickly strips down to a simple, piano chord progression and a driving kick drum. The song builds momentum as instruments are added back. During the bridge, vocalist Seth Davey shows off his upper range, which is strikingly similar to that of Matt MacDonald from The Classic Crime.

The lyrics are just as attention-grabbing as the music. The Greater Tide isn't a concept album per se, but there are a few songs that have a "sea" theme. One such song, "Message In A Bottle" tells a metaphorical story of a man surviving a shipwreck to demonstrate the beauty of grace, "And I don't know why I survived. I too deserved to die/But Providence has turned His eye/Grace has chosen me to stay." The title-track is about people who have died for their faith. Seth explains in an interview that the song "represents [his] admiration for those individuals."

The Greater Tide is as solid as debuts come. The production is a little rough, but this is a minor detail. From the impressive guitar work and complex rhythms to the thought-provoking lyrics, Attalus sound more like seasoned pros than newbies. This is definitely a band to watch. - New Release Tuesday

While Attalus is new to the music scene, the North Carolina-based quintet proves to be a promising band. Their debut, The Greater Tide EP offers an appealing alternative rock sound that can best be described as Thrice meets House of Heroes.

Attalus will keep listeners on their toes with frequent change-ups in style and rhythm. Take the second track "The Rich and Poor." On the verses, it encompasses a crisp, fast-paced drum beat, sizzling guitar riffs, and a faint piano motif that graces over top of it all. The chorus takes a slower rhythm and melancholy chord progressions, putting the focus on the hook-laden melody. Another musically intriguing track, "Behind Your Eyes" starts full but quickly strips down to a simple, piano chord progression and a driving kick drum. The song builds momentum as instruments are added back. During the bridge, vocalist Seth Davey shows off his upper range, which is strikingly similar to that of Matt MacDonald from The Classic Crime.

The lyrics are just as attention-grabbing as the music. The Greater Tide isn't a concept album per se, but there are a few songs that have a "sea" theme. One such song, "Message In A Bottle" tells a metaphorical story of a man surviving a shipwreck to demonstrate the beauty of grace, "And I don't know why I survived. I too deserved to die/But Providence has turned His eye/Grace has chosen me to stay." The title-track is about people who have died for their faith. Seth explains in an interview that the song "represents [his] admiration for those individuals."

The Greater Tide is as solid as debuts come. The production is a little rough, but this is a minor detail. From the impressive guitar work and complex rhythms to the thought-provoking lyrics, Attalus sound more like seasoned pros than newbies. This is definitely a band to watch. - New Release Tuesday