Across the Atlantic is a Pop Punk/Hardcore band that originated in San Antonio, Texas. The band was formed by lead vocalist, Jay Martinez, who posted a Craigslist ad to find potential bandmates. With the publication of the ad, Martinez met Jason Lugo (guitar), Julio Bautista (guitar), Jayy Garza (bass) and Cody Cook (drums), and in 2011, Across the Atlantic was born.
I first stumbled on the name Across the Atlantic while listening to another band on Spotify. A lot of times, all it takes is the band’s name to reel me in. I was curious to see what Across the Atlantic was all about and I was not disappointed with what I found. The first song that I listened to, Playing for Keeps, off their recently released album, Works of Progress, made me an immediate fan. The song instantly brought back of wave of memories of me going wild to Set Your Goal’s album, Mutiny, and A Day to Remember’s album, For Those Who Have Heart, when I was back in high school. What I love so much about those two albums is that bands were able to integrate their hardcore style with pop punk and still make it sound good. Across the Atlantic was able to achieve the exact same result.
Works of Progress is the first album the band has recorded and released since being signed to Sharptone Records. What an awesome first release for the band under their new record label! The album is filled with fast paced, hard hitting songs that will make you want to jump right in the pit at a show. Jay Martinez’s ability to change the inflection of his singing voice as well as his screaming vocals adds depth to the album that not many vocalists can produce. The difference in vocals between Sundress Funeral and 24 Hours (both off Works of Progress) is amazing. Martinez is able to change the style and sound of his delivery, almost making the album appear to have multiple vocalists.
For the more hardcore fans, Across the Atlantic doesn’t fear from going all in and screaming their hearts out on a few songs. Songs such as Word of Mouth and Blind Eyes have the traditional hardcore sound that fans love, with absolutely killer breakdowns. If you’re a fan of the more hardcore side of the band, make sure to check out the breakdown on Blind Eyes!
According to the band’s Spotify bio, Martinez was close to leaving the band for graduate school before receiving the call from Sharptone Records. In the chorus of Sundress Funeral, Martinez sings, “step off the ledge with me, we can change everything, suit the future best, step off the ledge.” Like all of their fans, I’m glad that Jay Martinez “stepped off the ledge” and pursued his music dreams instead of grad school!