WRRV Sessions With The Ataris: One Of The ‘Best We Ever Had’

The energy that filled Newburgh Brewing Company on Thursday September 4th is something i'm not sure that I can truly put into words. WRRV welcomed The Ataris to the taproom for a night that many of us that will put on our 'one to remember' list.

We never quite know what to expect when it comes to Sessions, sometimes we get a stripped down acoustic performance, and other times, like with The Ataris, we get a full stage setup, complete with a backing line and probably the most equipment I've seen come into the brewery for one of our shows to date.

The Ataris Release New Music in 2025

There's been no shortage of incredible new alternative music record releases in 2025. The year started off strong and we continue to get top-notch songs from some of our favorite bands and artists...and now, The Ataris have entered the chat.

Ahead of the release of their first new record in 18 years (and yes, we can confirm that it'll be out in March 2026), The Ataris have put out their first single in 15 years, Car Song. As you can see above, the video gives a great nod to Breaking Bad, while the song itself was written to honor lead singer Kris Roe's late father.

We got to hear Car Song live at Newburgh Brewing Company as part of an incredible seven song set from the band on September 4th for WRRV Sessions.

WRRV Sessions With The Punk Rock Boys of Summer

Just ahead of doors opening for the free show, I had the honor of being present for sound check where I got a sneak preview of one of the songs that shaped my teen years, In This Diary.

Several loyal Ataris' fans lined up early to claim their perfect spot for the show, and by the time the band returned to the stage for showtime, the room was full of fans young and old, ready to go back in time for some pure punk rock.

Just before hitting the stage, I had the chance to sit down and catch up with Mike Davenport who plays bass for the band. We covered everything from the new album (SPOILER, there will be another cover on the release), touring, his take on Sublime with both Bradley and Jakob Nowell on lead vocals, the Punk Rock Museum in Vegas, and their Hudson Valley connection with lead guitarist John Collura who grew up (and still lives) in the area. Fun fact, John's sister used to call WRRV back in the day to make sure the Ataris placed well on our Buzzcuts countdown!

The show itself, one massive song after the next, kicking off with In This Diary, a few older tracks, Car Song, and of course they closed with their amazing cover of Don Henley's Boys of Summer.

Following the show, The Atari's took time to do a photo meet and greets, spending quality time in the taproom's intimate setting with our listeners/their fans, which is part of the beauty of Sessions.

Thank you to The Ataris for giving us another night we'll never forget...it was the best we ever had! There were choruses and sing-a-longs, and that unspoken feeling, of knowing that right now is all that matters...