Press Play: Automatic

Automatic is an all-female rock group hailing from Los Angeles. Featuring Izzy Glaudini, Lola Dompé, and Halle Saxon, the trio has gained popularity for their distinctive approach to rock. They’ve ditched guitars in favor of synthesizers, creating a more lo-fi, ambient sound in a world of rougher, noisier music.

Recently, the group released their latest album, Is It Now?, a collection of eleven new songs from the band. The first track, “Black Box,” is full of fuzzy synths and dreamy vocals, but succeeds in balancing the grittier elements as well. The synthesizers have an alarm-like buzz to them, and Dompé’s drumming keeps the energy high. This song makes a fabulous introduction to the album. Another great track from this album is “Mercury.”  The synthesizer drone on this song gives it a hypnotic quality. It’s a very psychedelic song, and I think it would slot in well to any playlist. I also really love “Smog Summer,” a scathing piece about the destruction of the world. Overall, the entire album is extremely experimental yet incredibly consistent. It’s a very polished album, and I am expecting great things from Automatic in the future!

If you didn’t get your fill from Is It Now?, make sure to check out the band’s previous album, Excess (2022). My favorite track from this album is the opener “New Beginning.” This song has the same fun synth elements as the tracks from Is It Now?, but this song also feels much more like something to dance to. Be sure to also check out the songs “Venus Hour” and “Lucy” for more underground lo-fi rock beats.

Is It Now? and Excess are out on Stones Throw Records. For more information about Automatic, check out their website.