Sydney-based pop punk outfit releases a triumphant debut EP, Sidewinder.

Ever since the release of their first taste Coffee At Midnight, the Aussie trio has been transforming into some kind of phenomenon of punk spectre. Already tipped as the next band to break through from Australia, Stand Atlantic have been making waves with each single. Now they continue to marvel as they masterfully capture the punk rock spirit on their Sidewinder EP.

Bonnie Fraser’s bold vocal delivery and tempo play are undoubtedly their strengths, which can already be heard on the opening track. Slightly under 3 minutes long, Sidewinder strikes with amplifying verse sequences before transitioning into an explosive chorus. Stand Atlantic easily craft melodic hooks as they build up the anticipation, wrapping it all up in crushing guitars and fearless drum work.

Encompassing the fast-paced nature of the songs, this tendency progresses and spreads throughout the entire EP. Mess I Made is a truly magnetic slice of pop-punk, beautifully exposing Bonnie’s vocal range. What’s more, as it rounds off, you realise that 2 minutes and 18 seconds clearly don’t seem like enough. The same goes for Coffee At Midnight, a fierce concoction of pace variations with a straightforward lyrical message. Push kicks off on a gentle note, but again it showcases the band’s ability to bring forth arena-worthy chorus when you least expect it.

Stand Atlantic don’t lose affectionate touch as the emotive content hails from every track. Sidewinder EP delves into relationship’s structure as well as mirrors self-doubt and self-reflection, insisting on never compromising who you truly are. Themes are relatable and catchy, just as Chemicals that close out the EP, taking it down a notch but just for a vague moment.

If there’s anything unflattering to be said about this EP, is that it falls certainly too short. Stand Atlantic have blended a pure genius and extreme potential into a masterfully-engineered mini release, delivering something special, something that could easily be placed on a full-length release.

Lately, an impression has been reoccurring that the punk world sinks in repetitive musical patterns. Thus an introduction to new ideas comes across as challenging and highly ambitious. But Stand Atlantic have effortlessly managed to convey the best elements of pop punk, yet injecting a fresh spark of prowess to create even bolder soundscapes. And that’s exactly what we need when headbanging from time to time.