Picture Atlantic

Picture Atlantic is an indie/alternative rock band based out of the Bay Area, CA; approximately 50 miles south of San Francisco.

History

Formation (2006)

Picture Atlantic was formed in early 2006 in Santa Clara, CA. The band was founded by John Tran and Ryan Blair, ex-members of San Jose Metalcore band Dance Floor [...], as well as Patrick Chu of San Jose post-hardcore band October Sky. Unhappy with their MusicAL situations in both bands, the three friends began to write music in Ryan Blair's Santa Clara garage. Seeking the vocal talents of a singer, they recruited longtime friend and musician Nikolaus Bartunek, who was at that time playing solo folk and acoustic music in Bay Area coffee shops.

There is much speculation as to how Picture Atlantic settled upon their name. In InterViews the band has explained that the origin of the band's name was from their love of beach trips made in the summer, and a similar love for the song "Atlantic" by the post-hardcore band Thrice. Before deciding on their name, Picture Atlantic noted that their new name would share the same number of syllables as Camera Obscura (band), another influential act in 2006.

Change is Welcome (2006)

By late June 2006, the band had written enough material to warrant the recording of their first EP, Change is Welcome. The EP was recorded over the course of a single weekend at Castle Ultimate studios in Oakland, CA. During this period, the band went through numerous guitar players including past October Sky member Andy Tran, Chris Sturm, Kevin Davis, and Nick Dunn. During the period of playing shows with Sturm the band recorded the single "So Long to Sorrow", which was available only for download. The band also began enlisting the help of live keyboardist Brian Graves.

Kleos (2008)

After having spent time on the road playing shows, the band developed enough material to record a full-length album. They headed back to Castle Ultimate to record Kleos. Shortly before starting the first session, Tran left the band to continue school. Without a drummer, the band continued production until Bartunek's friend, Rico Rodriguez, offered his services for the recording in mid-2008. The album was released on June 20, 2008. Hellam joined the band fulltime as second guitarist, as well as Graves joining fulltime on keyboard.

The album holds elements and themes having to do with Greek mythology, and takes the name Kleos directly from the Iliad. Bartunek has stated in interviews that "...the reason I chose kleos is, I think every musician, nowadays especially, wants to be remembered, and everybody is trying so hard to stamp their face on the music industry and not be forgotten."

During the initial release of Kleos, Picture Atlantic topped in Absolutepunk.net's Top 100 Bands of 2008.

Coldplay and current activity (2008-present)

In July 2008, one month after the release of their album, Picture Atlantic won the chance through the Bay Area radio station Live 105.3 to open for Britpop act Coldplay at the San Jose HP Pavilion.

The band continued playing, until forced to take a short break when Hellam parted ways with the band. The band is currently managed by Jake Turner, guitarist/vocalist of LA indie/rock band Say Anything.

Discography

• Change is Welcome EP (2006)
• So Long to Sorrow (single) (2007)
• Kleos (2008)