A History Of: Action in the North Atlantic Review by Josh Coles

Photo by Paul Hammond

Dagger Woods from Action In The North Atlantic

Nod your head. Yeah. Oh yeah. Drop on the ground. Roll around a bit. Kick somebody, but only if you’re comfortable with it. Above all, enjoy yourself. After all, you’re listening to A History Of’s first full length release (following up 2007’s Victory Atlas EP) Action In The North Atlantic, an album worth enjoying. Well, I enjoyed it, at least.

Having never heard of A History Of before listening to Action In The North Atlantic, I was blown away by this album, and ashamed of myself for being unaware of the band until that point. The energy emanating from this album is ridiculous. With the exception of “Micropolyphony” (0:55 seconds of slow, relaxing tones mixed with what appear to represent waves) each of the 10 tracks on this album will punch you in the face. Aggressive vocals, creative and loud drumming, driving bass lines and overall catchy as hell guitar hooks solidify surprises around every corner.

Another aspect of Action In The North Atlantic that deserves praise is its tremendous diversity. Although punk seems to be the easiest way to label the majority of songs, it doesn’t have to stop there. Each song itself comes back to a punk sound at one point, but there are many in which the label of simply “punk” is inaccurate. Influences from folk, pop, hardcore and many other mini genres that I can’t quite nail down have a say in the shaping of the sound of the album. Songs that stand out to me include, “Strike It From The Lexicon”, “National Tectonic” (Somebody, please establish a “Best Groove” award and give it to this song), and “Dagger Woods”.

A History Of has the ability to make each song unique in its own, powerful way. So powerful that I can’t wait to see these guys live, as I’m sure they will be back on the island again soon enough (they played a show that our buddy Matt Dixon (Bikon) put on back in ’07). My advice is to pick up this album next time you get the chance, you won’t regret it.

Listen In: myspace.com/ahistoryof

JOSH COLES IS WONDERING IF YOU'RE THE FUGITIVE
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