Date: 21.02.20
Location: ACUD MACHT NEU, Veteranenstraße 21, 10119 Berlin, Germany
Time: 20:00 – 23:00
I know there are two bands on this bill, but I’m only going to talk about one of them – Automatic. And no, I’m not Sorry (look, the other band got a mention!). Perhaps you think it’s remiss to only mention one half of a double-headline lineup. The truth is, I had never heard of Sorry (there, I mentioned them again!) before seeing their name on the bill after Automatic, and by that stage I’d already made up my mind as I love Automatic.
Automatic are a super-new band from L.A. who released their debut album, Signal, in September of 2019. When you hear the record you’d be forgiven for thinking it was an unearthed gem from 1979 as it totally nails the sharp, smart, post-punk sound that originated around that time. However, while they might follow in the footsteps of classic bands like Delta 5 (they even nailed a cover of ‘Mind Your Own Business’ as an early single), Pylon, ESG and Bush Tetras, their sound has an extra level of definition and refinement.
The early days of post-punk were all about experimentation and trying new things. There was a looseness inherent in the recordings and, as with all experiments, some parts hit and some parts missed. Automatic have built upon these early foundations so that everything they do hits from start to finish. The sound might not be wholly new, but its delivery feels fresh and exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing how it translates to the live setting.
Links:
Facebook event
Automatic Bandcamp
Sorry website
Location: