A History Of are an experimental punk band from Halifax, Nova Scotia. After a debut EP over two years ago, Action in the North Atlantic is the band’s first full-length album. Their style is an aggressive and honest collaboration of influences; self-described as a cross between D.C. Punk, North East Indie, and Chicago math rock. A listener that is familiar with these scenes may find some notable similarities, but the overall sound of A History Of is nonetheless original and inventive.
Action in the North Atlantic starts with its title track, and the upbeat and creative drumming of Lance Purcell which is prominent throughout the album. The rhythm section is rounded out with gritty melodic bass patterns, which always seem to cut-through the noise and contrast the guitars. The vocals are strong and diverse, ranging from folk-rock moments to yelling post-hardcore rants. All members except the drummer are given credit for vocal parts, which is definitely evident through the multitude of back-ups and layered shouts. Double-guitars allow for a variety of catchy lead parts, harmonized instants, noise experimentation and a mix of clean and distorted rhythms.
Action in the North Atlantic is a cohesive and mature debut album, set around nautical themes and well-thought out lyricism. A History Of provides an extremely unique brand of punk-rock, which denies generic conventions and can still appeal to a wide-range of music lovers. Action in the North Atlantic is even recorded fully analogue, and is available on vinyl for all those indie hipsters that will inevitably adore this band
By Marshal Hignett
Mar 22, 2010