The Attika State
Genesis Catastrophe LP

The Attika State hail from Sicily, Malta, Guyana, Sri Lanka, and Bristol. Well, that’s what it says on their web-site and who am I to argue the facts. The only question that remains would be why they choose Bristol over a sunny island off the coast of Italy? Was it the university, museums or purely that they knew Bristol would be the place where the band worked out? Who knows, but they’re here now and with a good demo to boot.

With an emo punch to the face ‘As the Earth Exhales’ opens the four tracks without letting you think about how or when the music will start. With this in mind you already know whether or not you will like The Attika State. If American emo rock doesn’t take your fancy then it’s probably best to move on. But if it does, then you’re in for a welcome surprise.

Everything here matches the best up and coming bands. I seem to mention similarities towards new bands a little too much and though The Attika State hold pockets of comparisons the four tracks have enough pop melody to push any likeness to one side.

‘Enough with this Soiree’ keeps up the momentum of the demo with stylish yet catchy rhythms which certainly give this a radio friendly feel. It’s followed by ‘Sleep:Repeat’, which shows the band have thought about how to place their songs on the demo by slotting in, what seems to be a ballad, nicely into the mix. Though before you have time to relax and take in the Bristol sights, the song has jumped from its quiet home and forced you to remember why you’re here in the first place.

By the fourth and final track things begin to sound familiar and, though this is as good a song as any on the demo, the guitars and vocals have already been pushed to the limits and the band has shown us what they can do.

The Attika State is a band with promise. The songs have energy, potential to go mainstream and the band is still young. With their debut album only just being released it’s sure to get them a good fan base among the rising emo circuit.

Guest article from Matt C.

The Attika State

Written by Guest Writers on 14th October 2006

Between 2003 and 2009, [the-mag] had regular contributors from music correspondents covering their local scene. You'll find them all in the guest writers section. The specific writer is mentioned at the bottom of each article.