The Ataris

The Profile

American pop‑punk band formed in 1996 and led by singer‑guitarist Kris Roe. Broke through with So Long, Astoria (2003) on Columbia, known for the single In This Diary and their cover of The Boys of Summer. Later pursued darker, indie‑leaning sounds on Welcome the Night (2007) after significant line‑up changes.

Early releases came via Kung Fu Records (run by Joe Escalante of The Vandals). End Is Forever was produced by Joey Cape (Lagwagon). So Long, Astoria was released on Columbia Records. Welcome the Night followed major line‑up changes; reviews note label delays and high‑end production linked to Universal. Kris Roe is consistently cited as the band’s frontman and only original member during that era.

Four DeBaser reviews dig into The Ataris’ mainstream turn and stylistic pivots. So Long, Astoria gets panned, End Is Forever is slammed, and Welcome the Night earns a middling ‘transition’ verdict. Themes: label pressure, line-up churn, and a move from pop‑punk sheen to darker indie hues. Public facts confirm the band’s American pop‑punk roots, Kris Roe’s leadership, and the Columbia-era breakthrough.