MUSIC REVIEW: Debut single, 'Calling It' - from 'Automatic'.

Automatic are a three piece synthesizer post-punk outfit who have not been together very long – in fact “Calling It” is their debut single. They are a product of the much publicised DIY music scene in Los Angeles, USA – a world of experimental music. A dissertation from a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of California, Andrew John Kuth, was written last year to some mixed reviews. Whatever your view of the DIY scene, you can’t argue that it is producing some interesting work.

Automatic is Izzy Glaudini (synthesiser and vocals), Lola Dompé (drums and vocals) and Halle Saxon (bass and vocals). Although this is their debut single, they have been something of a mainstay around the L.A clubs over the last couple of years.

“Calling It” has many of the attributes that you might associate with the post-punk genre – there is the simple bass-line, the synthesiser and fairly monotone vocal that you will be familiar with. But Automatic are a little more than just another post-punk band – they have a different feel to them. “Calling It” has more dimensions to it than you might expect, there are layers that you only discover as you listen to it again and again.

Lead vocalist Izzy Glaudini describes the song by saying “Its lyrics capture the sensation of being adrift in a wide-open space, and the desire to rip it all up and start over”. It feels like this is perhaps about moving on after the breakup of a relationship or friendship with lyrics such as “a picture of your changing face” and “another standing in its place” but I found myself caring less about the lyrical meaning and more about the melody and dark vocal. The abrupt ending to the song feels like something of a nod to the original punk era.

This is an impressive debut from Automatic and I am very excited about what is to come from this band. They appear to be continuing to do their thing across the pond at the moment with a month-long residency at Echo in Los Angeles but I do hope they make the trip to Europe soon – their sound will be very well received.

Reviewer - John Fish
on - 7/6/19