Customer Reviews

Welcome the Night (+2 Bonus Tracks)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

wow, it seems this record has been a decade in the making. finally after 4 years of switching song versions, switching band members, and switching labels "welcome the night" is finally released to the world. being a big ataris fan myself, i knew what i was getting myself into before buying this record. i knew what to expect. i've been following their blogs on various websites on the making of the record for the past 2 years. since i've been expecting this "different" record going into the release maybe that's why i enjoy it so much. i knew what it was going to be when it was released...a polarizing but solid album that's a breathe of fresh air. so what do i think of the new record you ask? i think it's a great record that shows growth, purity, and heavily influenced artsy songs.for other ataris fans, i can see how they were blindsided by the release probably expecting something similiar to "so long, astoria" but instead getting this very dark record from a once "pop punk band" who sang about highschool, girls, hating authority, etc.

i say version 3.0 cuz the ataris were initially a pop punk band, then they matured and made a great pop rock record which was "so long, astoria", and now the third phase of the band is this new dark sound heavily influenced by the ataris favorite artists. the record is heavily influenced by older bands such as the smiths, joy division, my bloody valentine, the smashing pumpkins, jawbreaker and many others. the record itself is once again different from their old stuff cuz their are very few hooks on the entire 13 track cd. don't fret though, "the cheyenne line" and their first single "not capable of love" are very catchy possible radio-ready singles that have great hooks to them along with great lyrics. however, the rest of the cd is quite brooding, slow, haunting, and pretty dramatic. however, this is not a bad thing for the whole record (except for a few tracks) are stellar emotional songs (ballads?) that can hit you hard if you're in the right mood.

to conclude my review, i think the new and way overdue record from the ataris is a great record that shine with the bands influences as well as keeping some (i mean very little) of their own ataris sound to them. with how music is today, this cd is a breathe of fresh air to a stale scene. however, i do agree with some of the reviews i've read on here and in magazine on how the ataris seem to have an identity crisis. on some of the weaker songs on the cd it seems they don't know exactly what direction they want to go with it resulting in a mix bag of ideas which makes the song incomplete to a degree. also, i can understand how old ataris fans reject this new sound but you can't possibly expect them to due another version of "so long astoria" do you? it's only natural to progress from that album and make an even better record. "so long astoria" was an entertainting record full of relatable songs and hooks while this cd is more of an artists' album. basically, if you're open-minded to music or possibly new to the ataris, you'll probably really like this album. if you're stuck in the past with their pop punk days, there's a 95% chance you're going to hate this album. i recommend it to anyone with an open mind or anyone looking for a breathe of fresh air in todays music. thank you for your time.

I've been a fan of The Ataris since "Anywhere But Here" came out. They've never been my favorite band, but I've always thought they wrote good songs, and followed their career. The new album reminds me of "Ignorance is Bliss" by "Face to Face". The album was shunned by many because of a more mature sound. While I didn't care for it initially, I eventually came to realize how great the album truly is. People in general seem to be disappointed with the new direction the band is taking. I have no issue with that, I actually applaud it. I love bands like Swervedriver, My Bloody Valentine and Snow Patrol. The problem I have is the songs are long and boring. The only memorable part is the verse of "Cardiff-By-The-Sea" and that's because it's actually "In Circles" by "Sunny Day Real Estate". I don't mean to come off as harsh, but this album does very little for me. I'll try to listen again in a couple months. Like "Face To Face", "The Ataris" deserve a second chance (I actually hope I'm wrong about this album).

I first got into the Ataris when I saw them at Warped Tour 2001. I thought they were a really good "pop-punk" band and I really enjoyed End is Forever and Blue Skies. Those albums were a really important part of my early 20's.

Welcome the Night does not resemble either of those albums at all. All you need to do is listen to the first couple of tracks to see that. It's definately a much slower and introspective album than anything they've ever done before. Personally, I love it and I applaud them for trying something new. Here's how I'd rate each of the individual songs on the album...

-Not Capable of Love: 9/10 (Definately the most radio friendly song here)
-Cardiff By The Sea: 7/10 (This one took time to grow on me, but it has)
-New Year's Day: 8/10 (Good song. good chorus)
-Secret Handshakes: 7/10(Anyone obsessed with "old ataris" will hate this. It's a very slow indie rock sounding song. I like it though)
-The Cheyenne Line: 8/10 (This would have fit on "So Long Astoria")
-And We all Become...: 10/10 (I love this Song! Very Powerful)
-Connections Are More...: 4/10 (I don't like this one. I found it a bit boring and repititve)
-Whatever Lies...: 10/10 (This song is the most like "old ataris" of any on the album)
-Far from the last...: 9/10 (Another great song with another great chorus)
-When all else fails...: 9/10 (A really strong personal song from Roe)
-Soundtrack for...: 3/10 (my least favorite on the album. I don't like the vocals, and I think it drones on too long)
-Begin Again...: 6/10 (A decent song, but it also begins to drone a bit. It's saved by a good chorus)
-Act V, Scene IV...: 9/10 (A great, chilling, end to this album)

I just don't understand the negative reviews this is getting. I understand that there is this mentality, especially in punk, that you are never supposed to change or "sell-out", but c'mon. Don't you think it'd be kind of creepy for a 30 year old man like Roe to keep on writing songs like "San Dimas High School Football Rules!" for the rest of his career? I know that I'm not the same person now as I was when I was 20 years old, and I'm sure Kris Roe isn't either. I'll always love the old ataris music, but I understand that they needed to grow and try something different. I can't fault them for that.

Truthfully, I don't think this is even as drastic of a departure as some like to suggest. This album completes the transformation the Ataris began with "So Long, Astoria". Anyone who has listened to that album past "In This Diary" and "Boys of Summer" can see that. "Astoria" was a 180 degree change from "Blue Skies". This album just takes it one step further. If you enjoyed "Astoria", especially songs like "The Hero Dies In This One" and "Eight of Nine" then you'll probably enjoy this album.

Don't believe all of the negative reviews.

The Ataris has evolved into a mature band. One of the things i've always liked about Kris roe is that all of his songs felt real lyricly. And this album is no different. The music is slower paced but very well constructed. If you're only into pop punk then you probably won't like this album but if you appreciate all forms of rock then this album is for you.

I was sitting here at my computer, listening to My So Called Life and thought, hm, I haven't seen what the Ataris were up to lately, and to my surprise, they just released a new CD, what are the odds? So I gave it a listen, thinking I'd hear the usual pop-punk songs, with a mix of the slower stuff, the usual Ataris. Now here I am, and I'm really not sure what to think. Now, to be honest, I last saw the Ataris about 5 years ago while I was still in college (see, I am old), and they put on an awesome show. Hearing them screaming Song 13, and the awesomeness that is My Hotel Year. Now apparently there is a cult of Kris Roe, and I must say I'm a little disappointed.

I think that the problem with the Ataris, as with other bands, is there is a strong fight to keep the old fans with the old style of music, but also bring in new fans with something fresh. Unfortunately, after hearing how big Saddest Song got (relatively big at least), I had a feeling we were going to be heading down the Green Day "Time of Your Life" path, and this record proved me right. Suddenly Kris has a deeper voice, there are no upbeat, bouncy songs, everything is serious and heartfelt, and honestly that's not why I listened to the Ataris. If I wanted that, I'd listen to Joy Division. I'm not even really going to go into any specific songs, because none of then really stand out. They're all very radio friendly, and will hit the emo kids as being deep and meaningful.

Look, sooner or later we're all forced to grow up. Kris and I are around the same age, and maybe part of the problem I have with this CD is that it's forcing me to lose this ideal I had of what life used to be like. I've watched No Doubt, Offspring, Blink, Incubus, Hoobastank, Unwritten Law etc. all completely change their songs, song styles, and even their point of view (Hoobastank, seriously, what is up?). The Ataris were the one band that I could count on to provide a little light listening after a long day, not have to be beaten over the head with Chris Carraba type lyrics. So enjoy this CD if it hits you, I'll just sit in my corner listening to Look Forward to Failure, and remember how cool I am.

I have been listening to the Ataris since "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts...Next 12 Exits". No that doesn't make me the oldest Ataris fan...but I certainly can relate with anyone who would be dissapointed in their newest CD. It's simply not the same band. Only elements of their "angry nerd rock" punk days remain...and though I still enjoy their early stuff, "Welcome The Night" is in a new league...accompanied by groups such as Muse, Coldplay, and U2 (though not to be compared with any of them)...and has achieved a mark of success by producing an album that stands alone as one of the greatest releases in the new millineum.
I simply can't stop listening to this CD. Sure many die-hard fans will fail to see it as a great achievement...but remember what happened to Jawbreaker when they released "Dear You"? Their fans failed to see just how great of an album they had made and missed out on something above and beyond what they could have asked for or expected...
The Ataris deliver where many bands have failed, and have shown a constant growth in their talents and determination to not only improve their sound but to release an album that will no doubt be rediscovered by our kids twenty years from now as one of the greatest releases of the early 21st century.

Thats about the best thing I can say about it. I love the Ataris, and truly believed that So Long Astoria was a huge step forward for the band. The songs and melodies were still pop oriented, but the lyrical content had obviously matured in depth. There are songs on SLA that actually make me want to cry - songs like "Unopened Letter to the World" are beautifully real, something I can identify with and be proud of. And then theres this... and the band is obviously going for a darker sound, but it seems they got lost along the way. Its like an album by a different band completely. Maybe that means Im not 'hardcore' because I dont believe in every single thing they release, but Im not going to sacrifice my feelings and opinions to belong to a certain group of fans. I really do hope Kris Roe (whos a great guy) reads this and understands what Im saying - You can evolve and make a new record without losing the heart, soul, and spirit of your band. Better luck next time.

Dark is the first word that comes to mind when listening to 'Welcome the Night', the Ataris' first album in over four years. Sometime during the band's disintegration and subsequent reformation after the release of 2003's near-platinum 'So Long, Astoria', founding singer/guitarist Kris Roe traded in his lovestruck optimism for heartbroken cynicism. 'Welcome the Night' is a raging sea of the darkest emotions associated with the pain and desolate beauty of heartbreak. Each of the album's 13 outstanding songs serve as a sort of aural catharsis, exploring sorrow, anger, yearning, despair, and ultimately hope. But despite its dark subject matter, WTN never comes off as overwhelmingly gloomy. For every crestfallen ballad, an equally hopeful if not entirely upbeat rock song is found a track or two later.

While many fans of Roe's previous work will be bummed over Night's complete lack of hooks, the quality of the songs make for great listening to those patient enough to give them a chance. While the wall-of-sound instrumentation and art-rock intonation initially make the album a bit hard to digest, Night's lasting quality becomes clear after repeated listens. For arguably the first time in his musical career, it's now explicitly clear that Roe is an outstanding singer in his own right. His deep, emotionally charged vocals bring to mind a young Chris Isaak, from the most sensitive howl to the deepest croon. In both vocals and instrumentation, 'Welcome the Night' is a gem.

Some will see Night as an underwhelming sonic departure for sole original member Kris Roe while others will regard it as a landmark achievement by a young musician who's finally found his own unique voice. The only thing Roe can be faulted with is having the nerve to slap the Ataris brand name on his solo album.

Hey I really like the Ataris new album. Yes, it is different then their previous stuff and it is a bit iffy that they didn't change their name but good music is good music regardless. I mean if you find someone who doesn't know the Ataris and have them listen to this album, then have them listen to "So Long, Astoria" (which is their best effort IMO) they would have no clue that it was the same band. But "Not Capable of Love" is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time and the rest of the songs don't disappoint at all. Hey if you don't like the new sound then don't buy the album but I don't understand how anyone could really listen to it and not think it's great.

Being an Ataris fan since the beginning, I was excited about their new album. I bought the last, and did not like their new sound but I hoped perhaps they would return to their roots with this album. I was wrong. No longer are they punk but alternative rock- completely different sound than the band I loved. I gave so long Astoria to my little sister as I will this one. I should have done a little more research but for anyone reading this and who liked the old, punk Ataris- this is not them. If you like the popular "Alternative" sound than this may be for you. I am just very dissapointed that I will never hear old Ataris sound that I liked again..