Those Transatlantics, a Michigan quintet, distinguish themselves through an emphasis on irresistibly melodic pure pop tunes, the interplay of male and female voices, and layered arrangements whose intricacy is not immediately apparent, establishing the group as America’s counterpart to the New Pornographers. This ensemble nevertheless projects a gentler character than the frequently caustic circle surrounding Carl Newman, drawing instead on the luminous qualities of 1960s sunshine pop and the lighter, chiming textures found in present-day indie. The band coalesced in 2003 in the college town of Mt. Pleasant in central Michigan, built around guitarist Michael Spence and lead singer Kathleen Bracken. Once keyboardist and singer Chris Hatfield, bassist Joseph Clark, and drummer Trevor Waldron joined, Those Transatlantics issued a self-titled EP in spring 2004. After the appearance of their first album, 2005’s You’re Seated in the Back, Joseph Clark exited and multi-instrumentalist Brian Siers—previously associated with the experimental pop group Anathallo—took his place. The quintet then signed with Detroit indie Suburban Sprawl Records, moved to the Motor City, and delivered their second album, Knocked Out, in spring 2006.
