Survivors of The Kraken Unveil Their Gear and Reflect on Two Decades of Making Music in 'Amid Life Crises'
After two decades of navigating the twists and turns of life, the Providence, Rhode Island-based trio Survivors of The Kraken has finally released their debut album, "Amid Life Crises." The record is a testament to their enduring friendship and their unwavering commitment to creating raw, authentic rock music. In a recent interview, the band—comprised of guitarist and vocalist Justin Marra, bassist Allan Furtado, and drummer Brian Decoteaux—pulled back the curtain on their creative process and the cherished gear that helped them bring this long-awaited project to life.
"Amid Life Crises" is not a polished, digitally-perfected album. Instead, it was recorded fully analog, live to tape at subModern Audio in Providence. This old-school approach was a deliberate choice, forcing the band to lean into the imperfections and a more communal, in-the-moment style of music-making. Justin Marra noted that this process made the band "a better band than we entered," as it required them to step up their musicianship and truly listen to one another. The limited 24-track setup also pushed them to make creative choices they wouldn't have with the limitless options of a digital audio workstation.
When it comes to the tools of their trade, the band has a clear appreciation for both vintage sound and modern innovation. Justin Marra's signature guitar is a custom-built "Marra-Matic," a unique mash-up of a Supro Dual Tone. It’s equipped with Gemini Pickups Tone Rangers and a Mastery Bridge/Trem system, a combination that gives him a versatile sound. While he uses a vintage '65 Fender Pro Reverb in the studio, he relies on a Two Notes Torpedo amp/cab sim for live performances, a practical solution that allows him to maintain his preferred clean Fender-style tone on the road.
Bassist Allan Furtado's gear is a blend of precision and power. He primarily plays a Fender Custom P/J, but also occasionally uses a German-made Warwick Corvette 4 std. His monstrous sound is powered by an Orange BT500 H 'terror' amp paired with an Ampeg svt 410he cabinet, a classic combination that delivers the foundation of the band's powerful sound.
On the drums, Brian Decoteaux holds down the fort with a Tama Starclassic Birch/Bubinga kit, opting for a Tama Club-JAM Pancake kit for more intimate venues. He relies on Sabian cymbals to shape his sound, adding to the band's dynamic and hard-hitting rhythm section.
For Survivors of The Kraken, "Amid Life Crises" is more than just an album; it's a culmination of a two-decade-long journey. As Justin Marra explains, the songs were born from personal crossroads, including his own journey of rediscovering his creative self and coping with the loss of his father. The band's enduring bond and their shared love for authentic, no-frills rock and roll shine through every track, proving that after all the years, they are still a band that is "authentically Survivors of the Kraken."
