Steeped in Midwestern storytelling, Atomic Junction draws a gritty blend of Midwest-inspired rock ’n’ roll, country and blues from influences such as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Earle, and Tom Petty.
“There is something pretty retro about the way they’re getting to the hook,” Chadwick Easton wrote in Melody Maker Magazine. "The approach is as classic as it gets…exclusive and original in every department.”
The band's approach is, in part, why producer Greg Griffith calls the band, "the bastard love child of early-Replacements and Reba McEntire.”
17 reviews
Max C.
March 6, 2022Even if you’re a jerk that doesn’t like music, you’re still gonna love this band. And if you show up at one of their shows all angry because you’re a grumpy POS, you’re guaranteed to leave smiling cause that’s what Atomic Junkshot does…create smiles.
Hired as: Americana Band, Southern Rock Band
D.a
February 18, 2022I have had the fortune of hanging with these guys since they started and have loved every show, new song, and venue I’ve seen them at. New tunes keep coming and guys are always entertaining. Great time to grab a few friends and check them out!
Hired as: Americana Band, Southern Rock Band
V R.
February 18, 2022I wanted to throw a lame party - like a super lame party - and then these guys just showed up and made the party awesome and made me realize that fun parties are what people are apparently into these days. We all had a great time and I truly hope the trend of fun parties sticks around for a while.
Hired as: Americana Band
Zacharykaz
February 18, 2022I was around when AJS was founded. I loved their music then and still do to this day. Something about the way they grove attracts me like no other lover. Something in the way they woo me, I couldn't replace with any other.
Hired as: Southern Rock Band
Stephanie A.
February 18, 2022These guys are amazing. Great musicians and great showmen. Can't wait to see them again in person!
Hired as: Americana Band
Price range: $350 - $1500
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
A high energy roots rock 'n' roll show
Steeped in Midwestern storytelling, Atomic Junction draws its gritty blend of Midwest-inspired rock ’n’ roll, country and blues from influences such as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Earle, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
“There is something pretty retro about the way they’re getting to the hook,” critic Chadwick Easton wrote of the band in Melody Maker Magazine. "The approach is as classic as it gets … exclusive and original in every department.”
Based in St. Louis, Atomic Junction’s music reflects the diverse inspirations of its members: Mark Murdaugh on lead guitar and harmonica, Clay Mudd on bass guitar, percussionist Brian McCary and Aaron Perlut on rhythm guitar and vocals. The band's approach is, in part, why producer Greg Griffith calls the band, "the bastard love child of early-Replacements and Reba McEntire.”
Perlut, the band's principal songwriter, crafts lyrics that are often offbeat and admittedly wordy. The straightforward rock- and country-inspired rhythms he composes are designed to blend seamlessly with more complex rock and blues-derived leads.
“We're kind of an island of misfit toys who take our love of rock, country, and blues and pair it with a very personal, sometimes sarcastic lyrical edge,” he noted. “Some see a little punk rock in us. I just know I try to write songs that reflect our lives here in the Midwest.”
They are, “Somewhere between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Lou Reed's Wildside,” as Raised By Cassettes noted. “Atomic Junction brings out these winding guitars for an almost-twang sound but it's slow and plodding. The closest sound I can really compare this with is that classic Southern rock sound, though it is not completely that…”
Midwestern storytelling, rootsy Americana to its core, told authentically with the earnest, satirical grit—that is Atomic Junction.
Four piece band
Acoustic guitar
2 electric guitars
drumkit
upright bass guitar
Harmonica
Have PA if needed
Must be able to accommodate rugged good looks and abject handsomeness
Rolling Stones, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Earle, Tom Petty, Lucinda Williams and Billy Joe Shaver.
Americana Band
