Introducing #272 - Automan
Let us introduce you to London based Automan - who have announced their debut EP ‘Vegetables’, which is due out in October.
Along with this news - the band have just released their new single ‘Peace’ - jangling at the crossroads where bedeviled grunge meets melancholic shoegaze-pop - recalling the likes of Fraulein and The Goa Express.
They took a moment to talk to us about their music.
Hey there Automan - how are you? So your track ‘Peace’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
We’re well. Super excited for everyone to hear what we’ve been up to. 'Peace' is about the unrelenting spiral that is insomnia. The paranoia, anxiety and intrusive thoughts that overwhelm in the early hours, when all you want is some peace to sleep to.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
We’re from different places. Huw and Freddie hail from South-West London. A place that isn’t full of fun things to do. We spent most of our time growing up roaming the park on foot or on bikes, and when we reached the age we’d finish that off with a few pints in a pub. Gabri has grown up in multiple places including Italy, Belgium and there’s speculation over some time spent in Ireland that would explain an awful lot. Oscar became a man down south on the Isle of Wight. They both seemed to enjoy reading history books and making sure everyone knows it.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
Our influences transcend the decades. Artist like Radiohead, R.E.M., Pavement, Elliott Smith, Blur largely influence the sound. In addition, Freddie believes in albums that have shaped his writing - 'Apologies the Queen Mary' by Wolf Parade, 'Gorgeous George' by Edwyn Collins, 'Alligator' by The National, and 'LP' by Ambulance LTD. Huw takes noise from bands with hip hop connections like WHY? Massive Attack but is also adamant our last single 'Dizzy in the Head' was a Carole King ode. Oscar straddles a large spectrum which ranges from punk to folk and Gabri pretty much listens exclusively to The Who.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
Our sound is something between indie rock, post punk, and possibly some grunge and jangle.
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
We've got our debut EP ''Vegetables' out next month! Other than that, unfortunately, this is our last work with Mr Oscar Donovan (bass), who is beginning a new life in the Roman baths (Bath). So our future is complicated, with the focus still predominantly on the song-writing. Although his prowess will be missed hugely, we still believe we can do what we can with the three of us until we find another father figure bass player to nurture us.
