Antagonizers ATL – Black Clouds Flexi 7″ (Pirates Press Records)

Antagonizers ATL are coming back with the newest single called Black Clouds. This number serves as a sneak peek into their sophomore album entitled Kings, which will be released by Pirates Press Records sometime in early 2021. Black Clouds continues right where the group left off with their debut Working Class Street Punk, released on the same recording label in 2016. Right now, more than ever, these Atlanta-based punk rockers are gearing up to deliver another remarkable recording, stacked up with a desperately needed positive mental attitude in these troubling times.

Black Clouds showcases tremendous progress in the sound of the group. The essence of their music remained the same, but this composition brings some innovations to the table. Besides characteristic robust four-chord progressions and confidant drumming performance, Antagonizers ATL freshen up their sound with even more delightful melodic themes, which are continuously pervading the atmosphere throughout the entire song. The appropriate amounts of distortion fired by rhythm guitar are liberating enough power not to spoil these subtle melodies, so there’s plenty of room for entertaining maneuvers presented by lead guitar.

What I really like about this number is the presence of the bass guitar in the mix. Omnipresent basslines are enhancing an overall listening experience with compelling low-end tones, perfectly paired with guitar dualities. The rhythm section keeps it in the moderate tempos, but with enough accentuations and drum fills to maintain this particular segment more interesting. Besides some standard lead singing duties, Antagonizers ATL are also including powerful singalongs, which are delivering a sort of a pub atmosphere throughout the entire number. Each vocalist has its chanting segment during the verses, while the choruses are solely reserved for uplifting singalongs.

The lyrics are offering words of encouragement in the times of global downfall, caused by a neverending pandemic. This song keeps your chin up and forces you to move forward. Black Clouds has a certain rock’n’roll vibe, empowered by some traditional street punk/Oi acrobatics. This number possesses all the qualities of a classic street punk music, but it keeps on surprising with every upcoming sequence. It also gives a bit of a taste of the latest material by the Antagonizers ATL, which you will await with great anticipation after you hear Black Clouds. Head over to Pirates Press Records and give it a spin.