Local favorite releases new album

By Gary Schaefer

G-D-E-C are the chords to nearly every punk rock song ever made. The band The Ataris even wrote a song about it called “Four Chord Wonder.”

So there needs to be something more that separates one punk band from the other. Local punk hero Amazing Transparent Man (ATM) has found that something on its latest album, “Death of the Party.”

The new album was recorded in Indiana and produced by Mass Giorgini under Spring Man Records. Giorgini also has produced albums for Screeching Weasel and Rise Against.

That something that ATM has found is a desire to play for and infect the masses with its punk sensibilities. The smart-aleck lyrics take no prisoners as they make fun of any and all things.

Tony D’Amato, who plays bass, guitar and does vocals, said the album is a reflection of what life with ATM is like.

“We make fun of emo music on our album and what’s funny is that we like emo, but we also like making fun of stuff,” D’Amato said.

ATM taps into the roots of punk on “Rocket Fuel” and then gives a twist, throwing in a cover of the Toadies’ “Possum Kingdom.”

The voices of Rick Muermann and D’Amato are crystal clear while the drumming of Chris Johnson is fast and furious.

The CD is available today at Record Revolution, 817 W. Lincoln Highway. You also can order it at www.a-t-m.net or just show up at the Subway next to the Village Commons Bookstore, 901 Lucinda Ave., and D’Amato will sell you one with your sandwich.

ATM will play its record release party Friday night at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. Doors open at 5 p.m. with additional performers August Premier, Show Off and the Red Hot Valentines. Admission is $8.

“We’ve got a special surprise for the audience, too,” D’Amato said. “Last year we got valentines for the audience and last December we got the audience milk and cookies.”

This show will kick off a nationwide tour for the band.

“Touring is the best thing ever,” D’Amato said. “You don’t gotta worry about money. You live in a van and all you gotta do is eat and get to the next show in time. It’s the best part about being in a band.”

Locally, ATM has played the Holmes Student Center’s Diversions Lounge and various house parties in DeKalb.

“We’re not superstitious, but we do all of our shows in pink Converse Chuck Taylor’s that I special ordered,” D’Amato said.

ATM will head out to the East Coast and then down to Florida before hitting Texas and the West Coast. It’ll also be part of the Vans Warped Tour when it hits the Midwest.