Automatic Day (10T Records, 2013)
Automatic Day is the new album by Miami-based progressive rock band Little Atlas. This quartet of skilled musicians presents a mix of excellent progressive rock, classic rock and then some moments where they stray away into generic hard rock/metal riffs.
The current lineup includes Steve Katsikas on lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar, and saxophone; Roy Strattman on guitar; Rik Bigai on bass; and Mark Whobrey on drums. The progressive rock backbone of the band is Steve Katsikas, along with Strattman’s mellotron and creative guitar parts. Katsikas has a charismatic vocal style that is engaging and dramatic, with a British feel. He is also a pretty good keyboardist and fine composer. Strattman stands out when he plays solos and melodies.
Little Atlas creates moments of symphonic rock beauty. Unfortunately, there are times when the magic is concealed by the hard rock and metal riffs that some progressive bands seem to be obliged to include.
“We are truly fortunate to be able to continue to create music together, ten years after our first release,” expresses lead vocalist and keyboardist Steve Katsikas. “I don’t believe the band has ever played with such confidence, such cohesion, and with such focus. We created exactly the album we wanted to create.”
The best cuts are the pieces are the opener ‘Oort’ (8:53), penned by Roy Strattman and Katsikas, where the hard rock guitar is kept under control and the band treats the listener to an outstanding vocal performance along with admirable mellotron and guitar work by Strattman, and fine keyboard parts by Katsikas.
Another highlight: ‘At the End of the Day’ (8:42) with a superb mix of ambient keyboards, synth solos, acoustic guitar, and mesmerizing electric piano. It gets a little heavy at the end.
‘Darvocet Eyes’ (8:38) is perhaps the best composition on the album, featuring more brilliant vocals, delightful acoustic guitar, a great bass line, piano, and an inspired guitar solo by Roy Strattman. Strattman really stands out when he leaves the tired riffing aside.
“This album represents tremendous growth,” says guitarist Roy Strattman. “It’s as if the chemistry of the band has become much stronger during our five-year stretch between albums. “Automatic Day” is somehow more than the sum of its parts – the product of a group effort that transcends each individual’s contributions. It is also our best sounding album: warm, detailed, and sonically thick.”
Buy the album from http://10trecords.com/store/little-atlas-automatic-day