The Atkinsons first set foot on Richmond, VA stages well over a decade ago. The Atkinsons meld roots, country, and rock music into their own style of rambling swing rock and roll. Heartfelt story-telling is at the core of The Atkinsons, and it is complemented with three-part harmonies layered over mandolin, fiddle, drums, bass and electric guitars. With influences ranging from Old 97's to Green Day to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to Drive By Truckers, the sound ends up being quite a musical stew.
The first record "American Gothic" was basically a novel set to music. It followed the misfortunes of a troubled character from his early youth until his untimely death. The upbeat musical style balances out the dark undertone of the lyrics, and together makes for a record that's easy to listen to yet hard to describe.
The Atkinsons followed up "American Gothic" with their second release "Mile Marker", which takes the band on a journey through new territories of swampy roots and country swing to Texas Cajun and straight-up rock. Though cut from the same cloth, the new record doesn't pick up where the first album left off. It follows its own path from the back roads to the highways that inevitably lead you back home. "Mile Marker" celebrates where the band has been and where it's headed.
The Atkinsons have been performing regularly since its formation and have enjoyed a great following of "ATK" fans. Along with playing their originals, The Atkinsons aim to please by adding many fun, toe-tapping cover songs to their set list. Audiences love their versions of select songs from Old 97’s, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, AC/DC, Allman Brothers, Social Distortion, The Waterboys, The Band, and the Rolling Stones.