Atlantics

by Andrew LeaheyNot to be confused with the Australian surf band of the same name, the Boston-based Atlantics enjoyed regional success in the late '70s and early '80s by mining the same mix of proto-punk and poppy new wave as fellow statesmen (and commercial superiors) the Cars. Guitarist Tom Hauck and bassist Bruce Wilkinson founded the band in 1976 while studying at Tufts University in Medford, MA. Drummer Boby Bear, guitarist Jeff Locke, and singer Bobby Marron completed the early lineup, and the band's first high-profile show -- an opening slot for the Ramones' first Boston appearance in May 1976 -- cemented the Atlantics' place in their town's burgeoning scene.
Drummer Ray Boy Fernandes replaced Boby Bear in 1977, while lead guitarist Fred Pineau took over for Jeff Locke the following year. After securing a contract with New York City's ABC Records, the Atlantics released their debut album, Big City Rock, in 1979, garnering a favorable review in Rolling Stone and securing a slew of tour dates with Roxy Music. MCA Records had recently bought ABC, however, and the Atlantics' exposure suffered under their new label. Following the commercial failure of Big City Rock, drummer Fernandes left the band. The Atlantics continued to receive regional airplay into the early '80s with replacement drummer Paul Caruso (who would later co-produce Joe Perry's 2005 solo effort), but a lack of mainstream success resulted in the group's disbandment in 1983. Following the deaths of Caruso and founding member Wilkinson two decades later, the surviving members regrouped to release 2006's self-titled collection of unreleased tracks. Encouraged by the response to their first record in nearly 30 years, the band also released Live, recorded in 1979 on the eve of their tour with Roxy Music, in summer 2007.