music that is equal parts minimalist melodicism,
counterpunctal cacophony, and
decibel-pushing dissonance. Angular, but accessible. Complex, yet catchy. Eclectic, and electrifying—makes ears ring, hearts pound, and toes tap.
is
{guitars, vox, samples, keys, trumpet, violin, other} kelly l’heureux
{bass} will iannuzzi
{guitars} phil law
{drum set, percussion} dave parmelee
{live films} ancient domain
facts
{charted} top 50 wmbr/88.1fm (MIT/MA), alongside Wire,
Yeah Yeah Yeahs,
Mouse on Mars, Au Pairs, and more
{opened for} dead meadow, rainer maria, film school
{features} live film accompaniment by ancient domain at all their shows
{supports} cancer survivorship charities, eco-friendly initiatives
plus, a few words about "searching for a better way..."
“The band isn't afraid to use
force
to get its
points across, but
similarly
knows that it can lull you
into
a spot that will make knocking
you
from your
headphones
all the more satisfying.” - Jeff Breeze, Northeast Performer, Jun03
“Powerful and confident, they
struck a balance between rock
history
and hipness, a kind
of zeigeist-capturing cool.” - Brian LaRue, New Haven Advocate, Jul08
“Singer Kelly nails those wail/sigh
vocals
that meld smoothly
with fuzzy guitars.” - Annie Tomlin, Punk Planet, May/Jun03
{beautiful evidence} reviews
“Atrina sounds like they mean it, withan earnestness matched by technical expertise and solid songwriting. This record is high-stakes. It bears the superficial markers of earnestness — deep, heavy riffing, a brooding and moody sensibility, haunted-sounding vocals and songs exclusively in minor keys — but it transcends superficiality. Singer Kelly L'Hereux sounds impassioned and entirely straightforward, her voice positioned low enough in the mix to create a compelling push-and-pull between vocals and band. This dark stuff is thoroughly rocking, spooky, tuneful and direct, a collection of mid-tempo post-punk tunes from the depths that delivers. New Haven rocker boys, take note — L'Hereux's not joking around, and she's helping to trash the local scene's in-joke-isms and to bring us in touch with something more universal in the process.” - Brian LaRue, New Haven Advocate, Sept 24.2008
“About five years ago this band just kind of went away which was a dang shame 'cause they were a great, moody-without-being-mopey, sorta arty group
that worked well. This here is a "return" recording with a sorta new line-up. And it's better than the old stuff. For real. Five songs, pleasantly shadow-y (if Siouxsie sang some pop tunes through the Melvins gear) and spot-on solid. Chilling atmospheric beauty, just enough distortion, delicate vocals offset the dirge-ous bits, all good. Holy crap! Seriously now. This is really good. Standout Track: Just get the disc, okay? And don't worry about it.” - Craig Gilbert, Play Arts & Entertainment Weekly, Sept 03.2008