The Atlantics | Artist
The Atlantics are an Australian band founded 1961 in Sydney by Peter Hood (drums), Bosco Bosanac (bass), Theo Penglis (lead guitar), and Eddy Matzenik (guitar). Matzenik was soon replaced by guitarist Jim Skaithitis. The group began working around the southern beachside suburbs of Sydney and soon gained a following. In early 1962 they appeared on a local TV talent show New Faces, and were voted "Most Promising Group of 1962". After several rejections, they were signed to CBS in 1963, at the insistence of A&R man and fellow musician Sven Libaek. Libaek was especially impressed by the group's original compositions and sound. Where most instrumental rock bands at the time merely aped The Shadows, The Atlantics had the advantage of twin lead guitarists, both highly proficient on solo work and both capable of pushing the band along with a driving rhythm. In July 1963, they released the single that would become their biggest hit, and which remains a classic of its genre to this day. "Bombora" was written by Hood and Skiathitis, and was named after an Aboriginal term for large waves breaking over submerged rock shelves. When it reached No.1 in the Australian charts the song was released in Japan, Italy, Netherlands, UK and New Zealand and in South America. It was nominated as record of the week by US Cashbox Magazine, and was covered by a number of overseas bands. This success made The Atlantics Australia's first internationally recognised rock act. 1963 saw the release of their first two albums, the predictably named Bombora, followed by Now It's Stompin' Time. Their fourth single, "War of the Worlds" (1964) was a total break with the surf sound and unlike any other instrumentals of the day. A bold and ambitious attempt at a mini Sci-Fi space opera, "War of the Worlds" with a dramatic build-up intro, tempo changes and dynamic changes was way ahead of its time. The song featured a battle in space using echo and guitar effects, which pre-dated the likes of Hendrix, Beck and Page, who came years later. In 1965, with the English invasion in full force, the band members reinvented themselves, exchanging their suits and thin ties for T-shirts and jeans, and growing their hair long. Guitarist Theo Penglis switched to keyboards and they added a vocalist, Johnny Reb, a successful rock'n'roller on the Australian scene. With Johnny on vocals they proceeded to release a number of hard-rockin' singles covering artists like Little Richards, Bo Diddley, and The Beau Brummels. However they only succeeded chart-wise once with a version of Screaming Jay Hawkins "I Put A Spell on You", which brushed the Sydney chart in 1966. In 1967 they put out a song that is now widely regarded as a classic punk/garage track, Peter Hood's "Come On". Far from being one-hit-wonders, The Atlantics delivered several very solid albums with their early releases, plus they were remarkably ahead of their time with their guitar sound and proto-punk compositions in the late 60's. Standout albums include Bombora (1963), Now It's Stompin' Time (1963) and Great Surfing Sounds, a compilation from 1970 on the Music For Pleasure Label. Also highly recommended is The Legendary JRA/Ramrod Sessions (1993), recorded for the band's own JRA Productions. Contrary to the accepted surfing connotations of their name, the band actually took their name from Atlantic Petrol, a local brand of petroleum.
Artist Website: theatlantics.com
Featured Albums: The Atlantics
Related Artists: Johnny Rebb, Sven Libaek
