M-Theory Audio [Release date 11.10.24]
This year SMASH ATOMS have been bubbling under, mainly from the overwhelming and surprising response the Swedish quartet have received from commercial/active rock radio.
Servicing their first single/video “Down” inspired a dozen stations to immediately add the song. That organic reception encouraged us to dig in and doubling the number of stations playing the song.
Since #grungeisback has been a rallying cry and “Down” led programmers and fans to check out follow-up “Into the Light” and the big one pre-album release “Bring Down the River” that is being set at this time of writing for a release primed in time for this anticipated debut effort.
SMASH ATOMS’ story actually originates back to 2012 when they formed, releasing one smashing demo and playing a handful of magical shows before U.S.-born singer Glen Gilbert stepped out and the remaining trio changed their name to The Torch with guitarist Martin Soderqvist also handling vocals.
The Torch recorded two albums, gaining national Swedish radio play and touring all over places like Scandinavia, Germany and Italy. But two years ago, Glen (The Story Behind, Hide the Knives) and the guys reconnected and decided to revert back to their former incarnation and give SMASH ATOMS another chance and here we are. Already confirming European festivals, a major European support tour and management discussions these guys are shining brightly and are deserving of greater attention.
I was looking forward to getting stuck into this album. So this is my immediate thoughts as the album was playing.
Track 1. “Bring the river” Great opening track which immediately grabbed my attention and kept me fully engaged. It made me eager to hear what else was in store. “Bring the river down, Open the floodgates and let it all out”.
Gritty and strong gravelly vocals. Guitar slow and heavy. Slick, clear and concise.
2: “Black cloud” this was angsty and showed guts. I loved how there was a flourish with the guitar in the background giving an almost psychedelic undertone to the track. Everything was thrashing and this track didn’t hold back.
3: ”Buried under the open sky” the lyrics “I have no shame, Count every moment till the end, this day will never come again” were empowering and clearly written with raw passion.
This track although giving the grit you would expect. It felt softer. The vocals were almost haunting. With the accompanying keys it added depth of sound making for a truly atmospherically experience in sound.
4: “Dead season” showcased the bass work at its finest. God this was so buttery smooth. “Another day another fight” we all have been through days where things seem too much and are mounting. It’s how we overcome our obstacles that define us.
Again strong and powerful. This track I really feel honed in on the craftsmanship of the each member of the band and how everything is beautifully blended to perfection.
5: “Down” the pace well and truly picked up with this. Packed with 90s grunge essence that would give nirvana a run for their money. I can see this being a live show firm favourite. It was so catchy.
The drum work was incredible. The pace ebbed and flowed and it was a true adrenaline rush.
6: “End Of The Road” the licks with the guitar work was so impressive on this. Slower paced than the previous track but I feel this is needed halfway through an album.
Halfway through this track however I felt it was building to a truly expressive and explosive end. Filled with a face melting guitar solo.
7: “Into The Light” the pace was picked up in this half of the album. Can see this one being another firm favourite amongst fans. Another great solo from the guitar with the vocal, bass and drum work beautifully blending.
8: “Living A Lie” slower paced but still packing the punch and the chorus was very catchy. The middle instrumental gave the track depth and made it a stand out leading to an outstanding finish.
9: “Pretend” pace picking up again the riffs were absolutely electric. Would love to see this track played live.
10: “Sunshine” fitting title for this track. It gave me the vibe of a summer stroll with this blasting in my headphones. Very chilled yet very reflective in lyrical content.
11: “The Mountain” Closing track of the album. Sounded very haunting. The build-up of the song was electric and so powerful and made for a show stopping end to a killer album.
“Scream for existence” well well well.
What an album. This made me feel so nostalgic and Reminded me of being a teen in my full grunge phase.
The album oozes passion in terms of lyrical composition. Themes of life struggle being at the forefront. Something almost everyone can relate to in one way or another. I do love when a band takes struggle and pain and turns it into something so beautiful and bad ass and this is exactly what “smash atoms” have done.
Can concur they are deserving of greater attention. I can see these guys being big in the underground rock scene and more and more in people getting to know this band. As a first time listener I wasn’t disappointed.
There were ebbs and flows throughout the album, vocal and musical flair with heavy nods to the 90s but still maintaining the bands own individuality and unique sound.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for “smash atoms” as this was certainly smashed out of the park. ****
Review by Lucy Parr
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 19 November 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 25 November 2024
KING KRAKEN Chainsaw Saviour (indie)
BEBORN BETON American Girls (Dependent Records)
SMASH INTO PIECES Maze Of Feels (indie)
WELSH WOLF When You Cry (indie)
DREAMING OF CITRA Bitter (indie)
OFF LIGHTS Love You Sober (indie)
THUNDERMOTHER Dead Or Alive (AFM Records)
SKAM Selfish Friend (indie)
SORRY X Bring Me To Life (SBG Records)
Featured Albums w/c 25 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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