After a lengthy hiatus of 19 years, the pop-punk band The Ataris is preparing to release their first new album. According to bassist Mike Davenport, the album is complete, with a planned release date in March or April 2026. This announcement comes as the band celebrates the 30th anniversary of their formation in 1996.
Davenport shared insights during an interview with Punk Rock Philosophy, revealing excitement about the upcoming album, which will feature their most recent single, “Car Song.” He expressed enthusiasm for fans to hear the new material, stating, “I am really excited about it! We are anxious to get the full record out and for you all to hear it.” He emphasized the emotional journey of creating the record, particularly highlighting the efforts of lead singer and guitarist Kristopher “Kris” Roe.
“It has been a long time, and before he was trying to handle too much,” Davenport explained. “By getting us all back, he can focus on what’s truly important. His best attribute is writing songs and putting the finishing touches on everything in the studio.”
The Ataris achieved prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s during the MySpace and Warped Tour era. They released five albums between 1997 and 2007, with hits like “In This Diary,” “San Dimas High School Football Rules,” and “So Long, Astoria.” Over the past decade, the band has continued to engage with their audience through various releases, including demos and live recordings, as well as a re-recording of their popular cover of Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.”
Davenport noted that the band’s reunion after two lengthy breaks has been invigorated by their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Covid was a reset— the band came back from that on a mission which we haven’t been on since we were kids,” he remarked. “Our focus and our mission is to make new music and be the best band we can be every time we go on stage.”
Despite facing challenges, including the cancellation of two December concerts in Buffalo and Syracuse due to Roe’s back injury, The Ataris have more than a dozen tour dates scheduled for 2026. Tickets for these performances are available on platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek.
This return to the music scene marks an exciting chapter for The Ataris, as they aim to re-establish their presence and connect with fans old and new. With the upcoming album, they are poised to make a significant impact once again in the pop-punk genre.
