Atomship

History

The band formed in 2002 as Watership Down, named after Richard Adams' novel, with original members vocalist and bassist Derek Pardoe, guitarist Nathan Slade, and drummer Chad Kent. Later that year the name changed to Atomship due to copyright issues, though the band kept a cartoon alien rabbit logo designed by Nathan Slade, reflecting an interest in UFOs and extraterrestrials. During production of the debut album, Pardoe experienced severe anxiety and stepped aside; Joey Culver was brought in as a session vocalist. The finished album, The Crash of '47, was released on May 4, 2004, its title referencing the alleged date of the Roswell UFO crash. Nathan Slade played bass on five songs, with Ugly Kid Joe bassist Cordell Crockett playing bass on the rest. The band recruited bassist Roy Williams for touring. After being dropped from Wind-Up Records in late 2004, the band had a falling-out with Culver and disbanded. In 2006, Atomship reformed as AtomshipDown, reuniting with original singer Derek Pardoe. In 2007, the band announced plans to release two albums simultaneously: one titled Let Us Sleep Awhile and a second untitled album described as the evolution of Atomship. Pardoe founded Omni-Mind Productions, where the band recorded tracks including "Deflower", "For So", "Red", and "Magnolia". In a February 2007 Myspace interview, Pardoe stated that the debut album was well received nationally and essential listening locally, attributing its success largely to himself, Slade, and Kent, who had reunited and were working on a follow-up.