Asked Kris if the first four songs on Silver might be included on the new album. He said a slightly faster and more layered All Souls Day will on the album. He’s thinking 13-14 songs on the album and will have 16-17 songs left over to potentially use for a follow up down the line. He seems really pumped about everything right now.
Oh man I dunno how I feel about that haha. Been living with that title for 10+ years. It's exciting and also a bit sad
Thanks Jason for writing about the Ataris in the latest liner notes. Very excited to hear new Ataris music; Kris really is such a talented song writer.
Just noticed that Mike Davenport is in the new band photo on spotify. Is Mike back in the band? If so, not sure how I feel about having a guy convicted of scamming almost a million dollars out of people for 7 years back in the band...
He's been playing live with them since 2023. I have no idea who recorded on the upcoming album, only seen Kris in studio shots. Last I read he went to federal prison, got out, got a college degree, and is married with a family now.
I also do not love that Mike is back in the band. The press release has this: THE ATARIS: KRISTOPHER ROE, MIKE DAVENPORT, JOHN COLLURA, CHRIS KNAPP, BRIAN BONSALL, DUSTIN PHILLIPS
Yeah that's a slight dampener on the new album. Won't stop me from listening or enjoying but a minor buzzkill.
Mike occasionally performs with the band live. Kris plays everything in the studio, aside from drums, which has been the set-up since End is Forever. As far as I know, Mike served his time, is deeply remorseful, earned two college degrees, and worked hard to turn his life around, hence Kris giving him another shot. Of course, this begs the question: Does he deserve another chance? I don’t know, that remains to be seen, but by all accounts he’s a changed man.