Lower Than Atlantis + TRC + Grazes + Art's Got A Gun

/// Lower Than Atlantis
http://www.myspace.com/lowerthanatlantis

Without warning 2009 proved a year of progression, growth and change for UK trio Lower Than Atlantis. Since January, when LTA were halfway through the touring cycle for their fledgling E.P ‘Bretton’, the Watford based band have gone through no less than three bassists and two drummers - not to mention, most significantly, a musical rebirth of Goliathian proportions.

With the instability of their line-up threatening a return to the ‘real world’ for the band, Lower Than Atlantis’ creative core - vocalist/guitarist Mike Duce and guitarist Ben Sansom – were pushed into a cocoon of forced introspection and reflection. Fortunately, the encroaching danger that their beloved band might be collapsing around them had an unexpectedly positive effect on the young songwriters, as the twosome found themselves reconnecting with their truest musical influences and taking stock of the harsh reality that was fast surrounding them – a UK in the clutches of recession: its youth bored, in debt and out of work.

Simultaneously re-inspired, angered and afraid, Lower Than Atlantis recruited drummer Eddy Thrower and set about creating their debut full length album ‘Far Q’, a collection of songs that sees the trio completing an unintended but wholly positive metamorphosis.

Creatively inspired by such eclectic artists as Nirvana, Rival Schools, Go It Alone, Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth and Blink 182, ‘Far Q’ is a powerhouse of urgency and punk catharsis seamlessly blended with seriously infectious melody and reverence for the simple, persuasive power of ‘The Song’. And atop it all sit Mike Duce’s lyrical narratives, self-reflective and cunningly observational in equal measure, simultaneously elegiac and brimming with fervent wit. One moment you’ll nod with vigorous agreement as he lambastes generational apathy on ‘Down With The Kidz’ or ‘I’m Not Bulimic (I Just Wanted To See How Far I Could Stick My Fingers Down My Throat)’, the next you’ll grin ear to ear as ‘A/S/L?’ or lead single ‘Taping Songs Off The Radio’ offer up wry commentaries for life on the Internet - but, before you know it, you’re staring into the wide open veins of ‘Face Full Of Scars’ and the album’s title track.

‘Far Q’ is the sound of Lower Than Atlantis playing and purging like their lives depended on it – three guys playing for the love of music, playing for themselves, and in the process creating a striking partnership of music and message that is set to strike a chord with many.

Honest and tragicomic, versatile and enigmatic, Lower Than Atlantis are the sound you can’t quite put your finger on, ‘Far Q’ their calling card. Here’s to new beginnings.

/// TRC
http://www.myspace.com/trchardcore

TRC are an 8 man wrecking machine from North West London, formed in the spring of 2003. Drawing on influences from all over and combining harsh, street influenced hatecore with strict underground UK hip hop, they have a sound like no other.

Recent line-up changes, including drummer Chris Tyson switching to vocals, and the addition of Taking Names drummer Matt and Bun Dem Out guitarist Charlie have not dented their hard-hitting and furious live onslaught. Featuring 3 singers and some spitting courtesy of AC, which never fails to ignite the crowd and gain them attention, this is far more than your run-of-the-mill played out rapcore.

With a far more to-the-point delivery than their contemporaries, and uniquely arrogant attitude and subject matter, TRC breathe new life into a genre that is difficult to excel at, and have created a distinctive identity and a sound that is sure to bring chaos to dance floors far and wide.

/// Grazes
http://www.myspace.com/grazes

'Their fast beats, punky-screamo vocals and catchy guitar riffs can only take your mind to crazy and loud places. I must say, I’m not one for this sort of music myself, but this band has something about them that make you want to keep listening. I have reviewed many young bands that are just starting out over the past few months, and I have to say that this band are one of those that I’ve enjoyed the most. Their sound is so different to what I normally hear. It’s original and very fast paced. This band makes hardcore and punk come together to create something original that you will want to jump around to.' Screamo.co.uk

/// Art's Got A Gun
http://www.myspace.com/artsgotagun

Sheffield’s Art’s Got A Gun have been performing together for just under a year but have already shared stages with such mainstays of the UK underground hardcore scene as Your Demise, Deez Nuts, This Is Hell, Lower Than Atlantis and More Than Life. Their high octane brand of metal tinged, hardcore punk has been labelled “unnerving in its appeal” by Sandman Magazine, and the four piece consistently self record and produce new material that packs a solid punch to the gut. Priding themselves on their brutally paced, ferociously delivered live set, the band are a blur of frenetic, unbridled energy on stage and are guaranteed to end any show in an exhausted, sweat-drenched pile on the floor