The Ataris have released Car Song, the lead single from their forthcoming album and their first full-length release since 2007.

The track, recorded using vintage tones and analog tape, is a tribute to frontman Kristopher Roe’s late father, William Roe, who was a longtime supporter and presence in the band’s community.

Alongside Car Song, the band has reimagined their early-2000s hit In This Diary with two new versions: a 2025 studio re-recording and an acoustic rendition. Both offer a fresh take on a song that helped define a generation of alternative rock fans.

SWOMP caught up with Kristopher for an interview.

“I’ve always been so lucky to have my dad’s unwavering support for The Ataris,” said Roe. “He wasn’t just a fan—he was a fixture. He connected with fans online, filmed our shows, and truly was part of the band’s story.”

Roe was inspired to honour his father—who died in 2014 due to complications from alcoholism—after learning about a service that presses ashes into vinyl.

“What better way to honour him than by making him a permanent part of the music he loved?” Roe said. “It felt like the most meaningful tribute I could give him.”

A portion of proceeds from the Car Song 7-inch vinyl release will be donated to Shatterproof, a non-profit dedicated to ending addiction. Donations will support the organization through 2025 and 2026. More info is available at Shatterproof.org.

The vinyl will be released in multiple editions, including a variant containing William Roe’s ashes, pressed by Hellbender Vinyl in Pittsburgh, Pa. Other variants include a turquoise-and-silver pressing inspired by a ring William wore throughout his life, and a rust-red splatter edition.

The single also comes with an unusual origin story. Roe purchased the Volvo driven by Bryan Cranston’s character Walter White in the final season of Breaking Bad. Inside, he found a signed receipt from Cranston. He later traded the car to producer Bob Hoag for studio time—directly leading to the recording of Car Song.

“I like to say Walter White’s Volvo was the catalyst,” Roe said. “It all just came together from there.”

The Ataris formed in 1996 and rose to prominence with the 2003 album So Long, Astoria, which included hits such as In This Diary, The Saddest Song, and a gold-certified cover of The Boys of Summer. The album sold over a million copies and cemented the band’s place in the 2000s alternative rock scene.

The Ataris will appear at Riot Fest in September and Aftershock Festival in October, with more tour dates expected.

Formed in 1996, The Ataris earned a devoted fanbase through emotional songwriting and relentless touring. With a gold-certified hit and a major-label breakthrough under their belt, the band continues to evolve and inspire.

Follow the band at https://theatarisband.com/.