San Antonio's post-hardcore outfit Across the Atlantic makes dramatic, punk- and screamo-influenced rock centered on lead singer Jay Martinez. Formed around 2011, Across the Atlantic initially came together after Martinez posted a Craigslist ad during his first year of study at the University of Texas San Antonio. Practicing during off hours, the band, which also includes guitarists Jason Lugo, and Julio Bautista, bassist Jayy Garza, and drummer Cody Cook, developed their passionate, hard-hitting sound. Over the next four years, they released two independently produced albums and built a strong local following. All the while, Martinez (a communications major) continued his studies, balancing his need to focus on school and pay bills with his dedication to the band. During his last year of undergraduate work, the band started recording what Martinez thought might be his last production with the band. It wasn't until several weeks after spring commencement, while Martinez was applying to graduate programs and considering the possibility of quitting the band, that he received a call from Sharptone Records. The group signed with the label, and in 2017 released their third full-length album, Works of Progress. ~ Matt Collar