EP REVIEW: Is Anything Alright – Atom Driver

Billed as something of a supergroup, New Jersey’s ATOM DRIVER are no strangers to causing a commotion. Formed in 2016, they’re a bit less ‘hardcore’ than some of their members’ more high-profile projects like DEADGUY and GOOD CLEAN FUN, among others. Instead, they deal in a comparatively accessible mix of punk, noise and indie rock. Is Anything Alright is their fourth EP, and their first with vocalist Chris “Crispy” Corvino, of the aforementioned DEADGUY. Taking cues from bands like MCCLUSKY and even MOTÖRHEAD, it’s an unsurprisingly rowdy listen, with six tracks spanning 14 minutes.

While the noise rock influence mentioned is clear, ATOM DRIVER don’t exactly offer the nastiest take on the genre. The emphasis here seems more on a general raucousness than anything particularly dissonant or difficult. Opener Easy Lover sets the tone from the outset – a quick hi-hat four count lurching into a bouncy riff-driven barnstormer. It’s an energetic way to start the record, and arguably its strongest track. Between its bluesy guitar solos and Corvino’s rapturously charismatic vocals, it even evokes the likes of fellow New Jerseyites MONSTER MAGNET at their most straight-up hard rocking.

The energy remains pretty high from there, the band operating as a tight guitar-driven unit with few strings attached. Lead single High Protocol Party hints at a 90s indie weirdness before erupting into another huge hard rock chorus. Happy follows in a similar vein, while I’ve Turned Into A Monster kicks us back into high energy riffing. It’s all solid, if not much we haven’t heard before. The production captures the band well, giving them just enough of a raw edge without washing things out in distortion.

There is still some room for noise rock menace here though, not least in the EP’s closing tracks. Fifth track Seven is probably as angular as it gets, evoking the unhinged intensity of a band like THE JESUS LIZARD, for example. Closer Porchlight takes some of this intensity too, rounding things out with a sub-two-minute punky rager. Corvino especially brings the mania here – as he does throughout – opting primarily for a frantic semi-shout that suits the music well.

Ultimately, Is Anything Alright doesn’t really throw up any surprises. This is a short, solid record with strong performances all round. If anyone shines in particular it’s vocalist Corvino, but the experienced band behind him all know what they’re doing. Don’t come to this expecting to have your entire musical world view upended, but if you’re looking for a rowdy, noisy rock record to fill a quarter of an hour, ATOM DRIVER have got you covered.

Rating: 7/10

Is Anything Alright is set for release on November 19th via Nefarious Industries.

Like ATOM DRIVER on Facebook.