REVIEW: Lower Than Atlantis takes different direction with new album, proves they still have it

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4.5 stars out of 5

Lower Than Atlantis is a band that seems to have a hard time sitting still.

The United Kingdom-based outfit began with a very screams-and-breakdown focus but by their first full length release “Far Q” they melted together the aspects of post-hardcore and melodic hardcore.

The release of their latest record “World Record” shows that Lower Than Atlantis is willing to change it up again.

This album is much more crisp than their previous releases and loses many of the melodic hardcore influences they relied on in the past.

For example, the song “Another Sad Song” is exactly what its title sounds like, a slow, somber, but nonetheless beautifully crafted tune devoid of many of their old mainstays.

While this change in style causes the band to lose its old, visceral get-up-and-scream attitude, it creates a smarter, darker emo atmosphere in its place.

Songs like “Deadliest Catch,” “Uni 9mm” and “Could You? Would You?” all showcase a darker Lower Than Atlantis with more melodic hooks in their songwriting.

Their lyricism has changed as well, previously Mike Duce’s lyrics were very basic and to the point, but hit straight to the heart of anyone with empathy for the message. This time around there is more metaphoric wordplay and the meanings are hidden better than, “This is a song about how I can’t find a job and my life sucks.”

However, with the removal of older aspects Lower Than Atlantis has a bit more of a mainstream feel to it, like if Blackened Sky-era Biffy Clyro and Jimmy Eat World had a baby. Not to say that the music is poppy, but it has definitely a sound that appeals to a wider audience and moments that make you want to start a mosh pit are in lower supply.

How good the album is as a whole is completely up to the listener. “World Record” is not the same beast that “Far Q” was, so while some may accept and like the new changes others may cry “Sellout!” over the more tame sound.

If you put the album in a vacuum it is still a fantastic release, the songwriting and execution is great and tracks like “(Motor) Way Of Life” and the first single “Beech Like A Tree” are extremely catchy and will stick with you after a listen or two.

This new effort, and the changes it comes with, prove Lower Than Atlantis is still one of the premier bands coming out of the UK and that “World Record” can stand on its own as an amazing album.