Chosen by Monk
The LA punk veterans return in style with their first new music in 15 years and a tribute to one of TV’s most notorious series.
The video kicks off with frontman Kristopher Roe arriving at an Air B’n’B hosted by none other than the family of ‘Breaking Bad’ lead character Walter White. A sign reads “Make yourself at home, but whatever you do, don’t go in the garage!”. Naturally, Roe ignores the warning, makes off with the original Volvo driven by White in the series’ final episode and takes it on a chaotic joyride. The story escalates with a traffic stop by a cop – played by longtime Ataris producer Bob Hoag – and a surprise discovery of blue meth in the trunk. Just as things seem lost, a shadowy Walter White lookalike swoops in, stealing back the Volvo and disappearing into the desert.
We had a great time filming the video for ‘Car Song’, says Roe.
It was a really fun day with old friends and lots of great memories were made.
The inspiration for the song and the video’s surreal concept came from a real-life piece of ‘Breaking Bad’ history: Roe purchased Walter White’s actual Volvo from the show’s assistant director and later traded it to producer Bob Hoag in exchange for studio time.
I like to say that Walter White’s Volvo was the catalyst for ‘Car Song’ and the new album, Roe laughs.
It all just came together from there, and now, here we are.
Amid the nostalgia and playful storytelling, ‘Car Song’ carries a deeply personal meaning—it’s dedicated to Roe’s late father, William, who passed away in 2014 from complications related to alcoholism.
I’ve always been so lucky to have my dad’s unwavering support for The Ataris. He wasn’t just a fan—he was a fixture of our community. He would often interact with fans on the band’s message board, film live sets, and share them with everyone—everyone knew him. He was a huge part of the band’s journey.
That connection inspired a profoundly unique tribute: Roe had some of his father’s ashes embedded in a limited-edition vinyl pressing of ‘Car Song’.
When I read about a service that would press a loved one’s ashes into vinyl, it instantly hit me. What better way to honor my dad than making him a permanent part of the music he always loved? It felt like the most meaningful tribute I could give him.
‘Car Song’ also marks the first release from The Ataris’ upcoming, untitled album, which will include two re-imagined versions of their 2003 anthem ‘In This Diary’, a newly recorded 2025 studio take and an acoustic version,
- The Ataris play the Slam Dunk festival over the weekend of 24.25 May and then headline the O2 Academy, Islington, on Tuesday 27 May.