Grand Atlantic – How We Survive

Attempting to draw a sort of forgettable clause about the problems we face on a daily basis is a foolish claim. Battling ideas of self-hate, life vs. death and coming to grips with your own mortality are all complicated subjects. The best methods come in how you handle such issues: sort of like a half full/half empty approach. For Grand Atlantic‘s leader, Phil Usher, these ideas are best tackled with a rocking band and music that’s enough parts groove, shake and roll to bowl over even the most cynical cats.

And often, we strain too much trying to make sense of something that can be solved on its own. Focus on what you can control is where How We Survive enters and with a relentless amount of drive, there is no reason why we can’t let go and move on. Here, Usher and Co. has developed a physically burly album, one that is raucous and forceful but also, one that is filled with terrific imagery and important lessons. Call it a ‘feel good album’ if you like and allow its moods to convey a sunny Sunday afternoon but don’t discount its worth as a welcoming rock album that’s meant to be heard loudly and by anyone who wishes to find a new a way to deal with their problems.

From the opening, blaring, moments of “Coast is Clear,” it’s obvious – and noisily at that – that Grand Atlantic’s sound is influenced by the power pop grunge of bands like The Stone Roses and The Posies. And although they hail from Australia, these guys know their roots are influenced by the swirling force of UK rock. Often times the angular riffs recall Coldplay and in between the crunchy aftermath is a lean slice of mighty strength. They easily shift moods too, with “Tripwires” strikingly boisterous amount of rock with a mix of poppy handclaps.

Blending a military style snare drum and piano chords fit for a gentle ballad, “How We Survive…” offers up a requiem to never give up. Long after the trumpet has come and gone, you’re left with a band singing in unison, as if they’ve just hit a new high with The Beach Boys. And that’s just the thing, even if Grand Atlantic’s music makes you think of 90’s alternative radio stations, their sound is easily placed in the 21^st century. The only true issue could be the lack of originality and the simple fact that there is a fine line between playing it safe and playing to your strengths. On How We Survive, they find ways to play both sides but as seen on “These are the Times,” even when you sound like The Wallflowers, you can still present an even better take on the sound they tried to capture – and Grand Atlantic come oh so close.

As much as music like this conjures up visions of the past, the band’s aim when creating such upbeat musings was to point out just how grateful we all should all be. How We Survive could be answered in a multitude of ways with the biggest causer of dissimilarity being who you ask. But Usher’s main goal wasn’t to shine light on how whiny we can be but more significantly, on how much more appreciative we all could be. Combining hooks that bite with a tenacious amount of flavor and instruments that are shined, polished and ready to take off, this is still uncomplicated music: earnest and for the most part, notable.

“Coast is Clear” by Grand Atlantic

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Laughing Outlaw Records