Words by: Amanda Marano

Pop-punk powerhouse, Stand Atlantic, has recently released their sophomore album, Pink Elephant – where pop-punk meets indie rock. Pink Elephant was released this past Friday, August 7th – with this latest album, the tracks all have an energetic sound and an unapologetic vibe, and fans are raving. Stand Atlantic has managed to stay true to their roots while expanding their reach and exploring new styles and genres to weave into their catchy pop-punk tracks.

The album starts off with “Like That”,  an energetic, rebellious, pop-driven anthem. “Like That”  follows with a romantic rock element, with frontwoman, Bonnie Fraser, bringing the house down with her vocals and Jonno Panichi killing it on the drums. The previously released, “Shhh”,  continues the abrupt end of “Like That”  with a steady drum beat. As the vocals echo into a solid silence, we are met with the dizzying track, “Blurry”.

“Blurry”,  comes with an accompanying music video that was released the day before Pink Elephant was scheduled to drop. With a baseline and drums that are reminiscent of bands like Don Broco and The 1975, vocals reminiscent of pop-punk icons themselves, Paramore, and a splash of keyboard synth with an 80s aesthetic – the track is both intricate in style and overwhelmingly catchy. The video follows frontwoman, Bonnie Fraser, through a dim and spooky house, with a nightmarish host and eerie relics. Somehow, the visuals manage to give startling goosebumps while you find yourself bopping your head to the beat. As a prequel to the fourth track and video, “Jurassic Park”,  “Blurry”  takes a darker turn with its theme – whereas “Jurassic Park”  is lighter and more energetic, with a happy colorful music video shot in the same place. The video for “Jurassic Park”  premiered live on YouTube, where fans got to stream the visuals, and also had the opportunity to talk about the new song and album with the band.

“Wavelength”,  the fourth single and sixth track, brings lyrics like “I’m tripping on your wavelength,”  with an edgy electro-pop sound. “Drink To Drown”  slows things down, a true ballad with emotional and introspective lyrics. The powerful track is a perfect example of their versatility and adventurous genre. “Silk & Satin”  brings more of a slower, trap beat. The electro-leaning track is definitely the most different out of the album, but it also opens the door for new styles they could continue to explore.

“Hate Me (Sometimes)”  closes the album with a splash of classic pop-punk. Reminiscent of classic punk icons like Blink-182 and All Time Low, the track is energetic at times and soothing at others. Overall, it shares relatable lyrics and a feel-good vibe and is a perfect song to wrap the album up.

In a recent Q&A, Bonnie shared the deeper meaning behind the album’s title. “Basically its the combination of two ideas. One is that saying ‘The elephant in the room’ and the other is ‘Pink elephant’ referring to delirium and being spaced out. So the idea is addressing the elephants in your room in your life and having the conversations that maybe you don’t want to have but you know by having them you’re going to end up much better for it. And if you don’t have them, these things can morph into something that they weren’t ever to begin with. We’re just highlighting the point that if you need to say something, fucking say it because otherwise you’re going to turn it into something else and it will be not what it was in the first place. It’s going to be even harder,”  she explained. “Also, when we do have the tough conversations they are always the ones that have needed to have. So as tough as they are, just fucking talk alright?”

Stand Atlantic formed in Sydney, Australia in 2012, and has been gaining notable traction since the release of their EPs Catalyst [2013] and A Place Apart [2015]. After signing with Rude Records in 2017 and releasing their hit single,“Coffee at Midnight” – they released yet another killer EP, Sidewinder, before eventually their debut album, Skinny Dipping, in 2018. After two years of non-stop touring with major bands like The Maine, One Ok Rock, Waterparks, New Found Glory, State Champs, As It Is, This Wild Life, Neck Deep, Trophy Eyes, With Confidence, Short Stack, The Faim, and Young Lions – Stand Atlantic have now chosen to take a step back and settling in, writing the new music that we now get to experience as Pink Elephant.

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