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==Personal==
==Personal==
{| class="wikitable"
===Current band lineup===
|-
* [[Robin Hawkins|Rob Hawkins]] - [[singing|lead and backing vocals]], [[bass guitar]], [[synthesizer|synths and keyboards]], [[flute]]
!colspan=4|Current line-up
* [[James Frost]] - [[guitar]], [[singing|backing vocals]], synths and keyboards
|-
⚫
* [[Iwan Griffiths|Iwan "Wange" Griffiths]] - [[drum]]s
|align=center| [[File:Barryfestival4theautomatic.jpg|150x150px]]
* [[Paul Mullen]] - guitar, backing vocals & lead, synths and keyboards''' (2007-present)
|align=center| [[File:Theautomaticbarryfestival1.jpg|150x150px]]
|align=center| [[File:Barryfestivaltheautomatic2.jpg|150x150px|upright]]
|align=center| [[File:IwanAutomatic.jpg|150x150px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center; width:16%;"| [[Robin Hawkins]]
| style="text-align:center; width:16%;"| [[Paul Mullen]]
| style="text-align:center; width:16%;"| [[James Frost]]
⚫
| style="text-align:center; width:16%;"| [[Iwan Griffiths|Iwan "Wange" Griffiths]]
|-
|width=16%| Vocals, bass guitar, synthesizer, flute
|width=16%| Vocals, guitar, synthesizer (2007-present)
|width=16%| Guitar, synthesizer, backing vocals, bass guitar
|width=16%| Drums
|}
{{hidden end}}


===Former band members===
===Former band members===
* '''[[Alex Pennie]]''' - '''[[synthesizer|synths]], [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], [[singing|vocals]]''' (2003–2007)
* [[Alex Pennie]]''' - [[synthesizer|synths]], [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], [[singing|vocals]] (2003–2007)


===Live collaborators, studio personal & crew===
===Live collaborators, studio personal & crew===
The band have collaborated on a number of occasions for live shows, notably for [[Reading and Leeds festival]]s in 2006 during the performances of "Gold Digger" the band performed with [[Goldie Lookin Chain]]<ref>[http://www.festivalwise.com/news/21381/GLC-and-The-Automatic-To-Unite-At-Carling-Weekend GLC and The Automatic To Unite At Carling Weekend] festivalwise, July 2009</ref>, similarly in 2007 at T In The Park the band performed the track with singer-guitarist [[Newton Faulkner]]<ref>[http://www.theautomatic.co.uk/blogs.php?vpg=2&ppg=1&dpg=&pab=1_1# The Automatic with Newton Faulkner at T in the Park] theautomatic.co.uk, video blogs, 31.08.2007, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-l23b-1Cgk Newton Faulkner with The Automatic: "Gold Digger"] [[youtube|youtube, johnbownas]], 30 August 2007</ref>, during the live performance of "Gold Digger", former guitar technician for The Automatic Jamie Allen would perform bass guitar, as Rob played flute.<ref>[http://www.peterhill.net/photos/main-archive/the-automatic/radio-1-live-lounge-june-2006 Radio 1 Live Lounge; June 2006] peterhill.net, July 2009</ref> In 2008 with album and track "This Is A Fix" an additional bass player was required for its performance as Rob would be providing synthesizers in the track, during ''club tour'' Tom Stephens of [[Viva Machine]] provided bass, whilst in later tours [[Peter Hill (photographer)|Peter Hill]] stood in as bassist on the track. Notable on many of the bands tours have featured James "Jizz" Lawrenson as the band's sound engineer<ref name=autogenerated1 />, Stan Saunders as band's monitor engineer and Mike Doyle as tour manager, a position Peter Hill also took in 2008/09 touring, Mike was also featured during a live cover of [[Talking Heads]] single "[[Life During Wartime]]" on the 2007 NME Tour.<ref>{{cite web |title= Tour Starts Today!|work= theautomatic.co.uk|date=2 April 2007 |url= http://www.theautomatic.co.uk/myblog.php?id=98|accessdate=22 October 2007}}</ref>
The band have collaborated on a number of occasions for live shows, notably for [[Reading and Leeds festival]]s in 2006 during the performances of "Gold Digger" the band performed with [[Goldie Lookin Chain]]<ref>[http://www.festivalwise.com/news/21381/GLC-and-The-Automatic-To-Unite-At-Carling-Weekend GLC and The Automatic To Unite At Carling Weekend] festivalwise, July 2009</ref>, similarly in 2007 at T In The Park the band performed the track with singer-guitarist [[Newton Faulkner]]<ref>[http://www.theautomatic.co.uk/blogs.php?vpg=2&ppg=1&dpg=&pab=1_1# The Automatic with Newton Faulkner at T in the Park] theautomatic.co.uk, video blogs, 31.08.2007, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-l23b-1Cgk Newton Faulkner with The Automatic: "Gold Digger"] [[youtube|youtube, johnbownas]], 30 August 2007</ref>, during the live performance of "Gold Digger", former guitar technician for The Automatic Jamie Allen would perform bass guitar, as Rob played flute.<ref>[http://www.peterhill.net/photos/main-archive/the-automatic/radio-1-live-lounge-june-2006 Radio 1 Live Lounge; June 2006] peterhill.net, July 2009</ref> In 2008 with album and track "This Is A Fix" an additional bass player was required for its performance as Rob would be providing synthesizers in the track, during ''club tour'' Tom Stephens of [[Viva Machine]] provided bass, whilst in later tours [[Peter Hill (photographer)|Peter Hill]] stood in as bassist on the track. Notable on many of the bands tours have featured James "Jizz" Lawrenson as the band's sound engineer<ref name=autogenerated1 />, Stan Saunders as band's monitor engineer and Mike Doyle as tour manager, a position Peter Hill also took in 2008/09 touring, Mike was also featured during a live cover of [[Talking Heads]] single "[[Life During Wartime]]" on the 2007 NME Tour.<ref>{{cite web |title= Tour Starts Today!|work= theautomatic.co.uk|date=2 April 2007 |url= http://www.theautomatic.co.uk/myblog.php?id=98|accessdate=22 October 2007}}</ref>


The band have long had a studio relationship with producer Richard Jackson, who is responsible for working with the band on both albums; [[Not Accepted Anywhere]] and [[This Is A Fix]] and subsequent b-sides and demos<ref>[http://www.theautomatic.co.uk/band.php the automatic/band] theautomatic.co.uk, July 2009</ref> as well as this the band have been managed by Martin Bowen with Probation Management since 2005.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/genres_artists/rock_pop/automatic.shtml The Automatic] [[BBC]], July 2009</ref> As well as working in studio with Richard, the sophomore release was worked on initially with [[Don Gilmore]], followed by [[Butch Walker]] & Richard Jackson and on one track [[Stephen Harris (producer)|Stephen Harris]], who also worked with the band on their debut, along with [[Ian Broudie]].<ref name="FUTURE RELEASE: The Automatic">[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-34706918_ITM FUTURE RELEASE: The Automatic] accessmylibrary.com, CMP Information Ltd, Publication: Music Week, 28 June 2008</ref> To date, musically the only other musicians to be featured besides the band themselves were Chris T-T and Frank Turner, the two musicians along with producer Butch Walker were featured providing gang vocals and extra percussion on This Is A Fix track "[[Steve McQueen]]".
The band have long had a studio relationship with producer Richard Jackson, who is responsible for working with the band on albums; [[Not Accepted Anywhere]], [[This Is A Fix]] &[[Tear the Signs Down]] and subsequent b-sides and demos<ref>[http://www.theautomatic.co.uk/band.php the automatic/band] theautomatic.co.uk, July 2009</ref> as well as this the band have been managed by Martin Bowen with Probation Management since 2005.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/genres_artists/rock_pop/automatic.shtml The Automatic] [[BBC]], July 2009</ref> As well as working in studio with Richard, the sophomore release was worked on initially with [[Don Gilmore]], followed by [[Butch Walker]] & Richard Jackson and on one track [[Stephen Harris (producer)|Stephen Harris]], who also worked with the band on their debut, along with [[Ian Broudie]].<ref name="FUTURE RELEASE: The Automatic">[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-34706918_ITM FUTURE RELEASE: The Automatic] accessmylibrary.com, CMP Information Ltd, Publication: Music Week, 28 June 2008</ref> To date, musically the only other musicians to be featured besides the band themselves were Chris T-T and Frank Turner, the two musicians along with producer Butch Walker were featured providing gang vocals and extra percussion on This Is A Fix track "[[Steve McQueen]]".


==Reception==
==Reception==

Revision as of 13:36, 14 November 2009

The Automatic

The Automatic, (also known as The Automatic Automatic in the U.S. and Canada after the band were faced with legal action from another act under the name of Automatic[3]), are a Welsh based rock band. The three remaining original members James Frost, Robin Hawkins, and Iwan Griffiths are from Wales; new addition Paul Mullen (originally of Yourcodenameis:milo) is from Sunderland. The band originally formed in Cowbridge, but are currently based in a studio in Cardiff.[4] Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers are among the band's influences[5] The bands first album Not Accepted Anywhere was released on 19 June 2006[6] and featured 3 singles, "Raoul", "Recover" and "Monster" all of which charted in the UK. On 25 August 2008 the band released their second record This Is a Fix, featuring only one single "Steve McQueen".[7] Currently the band are preparing to release their third album "Tear Down The Signs" which was recorded in Cardiff throughout 2009.[8][9]

History

Main article: The Automatic tour history
File:The Automatic pop awards.jpg
The Automatic perform at the Pop Factory awards

Band beginnings (1998–2005)

The members first met at primary school, in the early nineties, and formed a band at the age of 13. Alex Pennie was asked to join five years later.[10][11] Originally known as White Rabbit, up until February 2005 when[12] they renamed themselves The Automatic because they believe that music is the antidote to "the automatic life".[13] After recording their two-track demo featuring rough versions of "Monster" and "Rats" in 2005[14] they signed a five-album record deal[15] with B-Unique Records in their gap year.[16]

Not Accepted Anywhere (2006–2007)

Main article: Not Accepted Anywhere
File:The automatic pop awards 05.jpg
The Automatic perform at the Pop Factory awards

After signing their record deal with B-Unique the band began the writing and recording of their first record, the first release from which came in the form of "Recover" which on 7 November 2005 saw its release along with b-side "Jack Daniels".[17] for the next 2 months the band were in studio, put under strain to write their record for a January deadline set by their record label, because of this the band believe the end result came out sounding quite similar.[18] Whilst début single "Recover" did not chart, it had still gained them publicity, NME put the band on their new music tour, also calling them "The sound of 2006",[19][20] the band quickly had further success, being awarded Best New Band in the Pop Factory Awards 2005.[21]

The Automatic on Camden Crawl in 2006

After touring with The Kooks in early 2006 the band began the release of second single "Raoul" which came on 27 March 2006, being the first chart eligible release, reaching a peak in the UK Singles Chart of #35, album track "On The Campaign Trail" was also released on the CD single, whilst "Trophy Wives" was released on the vinyl, the single received as a large amount of airplay on MTV Two amongst other channels, as well as further exposure.[22] the band went around the country between touring promoting the single and the forthcoming album with instore signings.[20]

On 27 April 2006 Not Accepted Anywhere was announced; the début 12 track long album, which would see release on B-Unique Records on 19 June 2006, with a new single "Monster", as well as further tour dates.[23] When the album then arrived it received fairly mixed reactions, many reviewers pointing out the high pitched backing screams from Alex Pennie, which whilst some pointed out it gives the band an identity and a level of individuality, whilst others just found it annoying Dom Gourlay of Drowned In Sound wrote "the unnecessary screeching of the keyboard player just a tad irritating - bordering on the side of wanting to commit homicide - at the best of times"[24] whilst NME wrote "screeching backing vocals, have made him sound like a new instrument all of its own" regarding the notorious vocalist.[25] The album however remained very popular as far as sales went, reaching number #3 in the UK Album Chart, and remaining in the chart for over half a year, new single "Monster" also proved to be a huge success, reaching #4 in the single chart, oddly the band were then accused of being a one hit wonder, despite "Monster" being their second top 40 hit, the band also said since its release that there was no pressure, nor was it an objective to come up with something as popular as "Monster".[26] The Raoul EP, a collection of b-sides and songs which didn't make the final album was released on 17 July 2006.[27]

Following the release of the album the band went on tour with Cat The Dog and Welsh friends Viva Machine, and played a 13 date tour across the United Kingdom, which also included their hugely publicised appearance on GMTV as well as a UK festival circuit, included Reading and Leeds festival, T4 on the Beach and T In The Park, all leading up to their fourth single a re-release of "Recover", which had been re-recorded for a larger release than its original limited release the year before. The single peaked at #32 in the UK after its release on 18 September 2006, surrounding this the band played various dates around Europe and Japan.[28][29]

We wrote a song, it did really well, I don't really see what there is to be upset about. You get labelled "one hit wonders", but that's more hits than most people have. And it's not like we've disappeared without a trace. We've got a second album coming out, which in my opinion is full of much better songs. We wouldn't have been in a position to fly to LA to make a record if it wasn't for 'Monster'."

— Robin Hawkins[26]

Over Christmas 2006 the band wrote and recorded two new songs which would begin play next year on the NME Rock Tour 2007, these songs titled "Steve McQueen" and "Revolution" (now known as "Secret Police") would be accompanied by a cover of Life During Wartime by Talking Heads, as well as the fifth and final single from Not Accepted Anywhere, another re-release, despite many fans wanting another album track to be used, "Raoul" was chosen by the band's record label, with the band saying they were not into the idea of releasing Raoul again.[30][31] the single charted slightly higher than previously (originally at #36) instead the single charted at #32 in the UK single chart.[32][33]

After extensive UK touring the band released Not Accepted Anywhere in the United States and Canada in June. This preceded their attendance at the Warped Tour, 2007 and was opened with their first U.S. single, "Monster" which was released on 14 May 2007.[34] after the Warped Tour and release of the album embarked on their first USA Tour, before returning to the United Kingdom for their final show of the Not Accepted Anywhere era, Get Load In The Park.[35][36]

Alex Pennie left the band on 18 September 2007, before the band began recording their second album with Paul Mullen who joined after Pennie's departure

Departure of Alex Pennie

On 18 September 2007 it was announced by The Automatic that Alex Pennie had left The Automatic. Alex performed for the final time with band mates at Get Loaded In The Park 2007, however had been active for some time with the band assisting with the writing process of their second album, This Is A Fix.[37][38] It was announced through the band's website and through the band's MySpace that Pennie had been finding playing with his band mates "increasingly unenjoyable" and that he had been growing apart from them.[39][40][41]

In November NME reported that the band have had no direct contact with Pennie since the split, which also took place earlier than the official split according to his former band mates. Hawkins has exchanged MySpace messages with Pennie however, reporting that he is doing ok, and that he now has a new punk band.[42] Alex Pennie has more recently stated that he is returning to the UK to start work on "a new project".[43] This was later announced by Pennie through his myspace profile to be Decimals, in which he performs lead vocals. Pennie confirmed in 2009 that there were no hard feelings and that he and his band Decimals were in the same Cardiff studio as The Automatic, working with the same people, he described the situation as "like seeing an ex-girlfriend" and that both he and his former band mates are on good terms.[44]

It was never going to spell the end of the band. Him staying would have spelt the end of it", said the singer. "He didn't want to be in the band anymore and what he did on the first album, the screaming thing, there's only so far you can take that, really. We couldn't have progressed… There's no regrets on either side as far as I know.

— Rob Hawkins[45]

This Is A Fix (2007–2008)

Main article: This Is A Fix

After the departure of Alex Pennie the band was quick to make a new recruitment, Paul Mullen of Yourcodenameis:Milo was brought in after his band went on hiatus, taking on the position of guitarist, vocalist and synth player, so he would not be a direct replacement for Alex Pennie. The band had already been at work before Pennie's departure and had around 10 songs already done,[46] two of which were "Steve McQueen" and "Secret Police", which both had been performed throughout 2007 on various tours.[47][48][49][50][51][52][53]

Paul Mullen joined the band in October 2007, soon after the band recorded This Is a Fix, on which Paul provides vocals, guitar and synths

After working in Cardiff in their studio, the band flew out to Los Angeles, California were they began working with Don Gilmore, who has worked with the likes of Linkin Park and Dashboard Confessional, however were not happy with the results, thus switched to working with Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, The All American Rejects, Simple Plan) where they worked for some time, until having to return to the United Kingdom where they finished up much of the record back in Cardiff working with Rich Jackson, who worked with the band on Not Accepted Anywhere.[54][55]

After the recording process was complete, in March, the band began a club tour, playing at smaller venues to "get up close" with the fans, supported by friends Viva Machine with the likes of Canterbury and Attack Attack also performing at select dates.[56] The band's first single from This Is a Fix was soon announced, "Steve McQueen", first played on the NME 2007 Tour, would arrive on 18 August 2008, a further number of tour dates were also announced for August and September, the band were also announced to be play at Reading and Leeds Festivals, as well as performing at the UK release of the Rock Back video game, Glastonbury, and a number of other festivals and gigs around Europe.[57][58]

Single "Steve McQueen" was premièred on the Zane Lowe show on BBC Radio 1 on 7 July 2008, the following day NME.com broadcast the music video for the first time,[59] following this track "This Is A Fix" was released as a free gift on 30 July 2008 via download.[60] On 18 August, the release day of Steve McQueen, the entire album became available on the band's myspace page, the band also days later performed an all new cover, "Love in This Club" by "Usher" on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

After the albums release the band completed two UK album tours in the remaining months of 2008, before heading back into studio to work on new tracks. At The Asylum in Birmingham, the band confirmed "Magazines" to be the second single of This Is A Fix originally stating a release would happen in February 2009, however this date was scrapped.[61] The Automatic along with Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly., Frank Turner and My Vitriol were announced in early 2009 to be part of the final show at the London Astoria on Wednesday 14 January, a charity show for Love Music Hate Racism and Jail Guitar Doors.[62]

Tear the Signs Down (2009)

Since the start of 2009 the band began working in studio on new tracks, and by March had around 10 songs in various stages of development, some being demoed and some not.[63] The band fully recorded 4 of the new tracks in early April, and on 18 April it was confirmed that the new tracks are towards the bands third studio album.[64][65]

On 3 November 2009, the Welsh band release their single "Interstate" which is available on their MySpace and official site. Moreover, they premiered the video of the single. Also announced the name of the new album called "Tear the Signs Down"

The band released new track "Something Else" on 6 August 2009 on their website and Myspace, which was also revamped for and reopened on this date. This comes as the first release in almost 1 year, the track will be made available as a free download.[66] The band have been collaborating with bow instrumentalists current recording session.[67][68] On 28 September 2009 the band announced a November tour, which would coincide with the release of new material from their upcoming release.[69]

On 12 October 2009 the band filmed a video for their new single outside Cardiff's Chapter Arts Centre[70][71], Paul Mullen suggested through his personal twitter that the video would be premiered towards to end of October 2009.[72] On 14 October Channel 4 filmed the band for an upcoming new television show in their Cardiff Studio[73][74], whilst later on 20 October the band shot promotional photos for their new record[75] announcing on Myspace that their record would be fully recorded by the end of October.[76]

Musical style

Rob playing flute on warped tour 2007

During the bands debut release period of Not Accepted Anywhere they were often categorized as electro-disco-punk rock,[77] ;at this point they were using more synthesizer keyboards, and had been compared to acts such as Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, and 'thrown in' with the indie rock scene of 2006, the band have even stated that the album was altered in the mixing process "When we were recording the first album there were some really heavy guitars going down but only the clean ones were used" a decision of the record label and producers involved with the album, some of these guitars parts were restored in the 2007 US release of Not Accepted Anywhere when it was re-released and re-mastered, the band at one point were even labeled as Glam rock, which former keyboardist Alex Pennie blamed NME for.[78] The band cite their influences such as Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers,[79] and a joint love for bands such as Radiohead and Ash,[80] The bands second album was compared to the sound of Ash's early work by many critics, as well as this the second album is generally listed as having a 'bigger sound' with heavier guitars, less synths, drums and more vocals.

The debut album Not Accepted Anywhere lyrically refers to the bands experiences growing up in Cowbridge, whilst the second album This Is A Fix lyrically takes inspiration from politics and news items, except for "Steve McQueen" which lyrically is similar to the tracks on Not Accepted Anywhere and was intended originally as a bridge between the two first albums, as a stand alone single being originally recorded at the end of 2006, for a early 2007 release. "Monster", "Recover", "In The Mountains" and "Responsible Citizen" lyrically refer to substance abuse and alcohol, the media in "Magazines", the record industry in "Accessories" and "You Shout You Shout You Shout You Shout", the climate in "High Tide on Caroline Street", people the band dislike in "Team Drama and "Seriously ... I Hate You Guys", growing up and day-to-day lives in "That's What She Said", "In This World", "Raoul", and "Light Entertainment".[18][81][82][83][84]

The band instrumentally use various synthesizers to produce many of their sounds, during the recording and touring with the album Not Accepted Anywhere the band's former member Alex Pennie used an Alesis Micron and an Alesis Andromeda during live performances, and in addition to this in studio he used an Roland Juno-106. More recently since Pennie's departure new addition Paul Mullen uses an microKORG whilst James Frost continues to use an Alesis Micron, although fewer of the songs on This Is A Fix use synthesizer as a predominant instrument. The band use Sennheiser microphones, 'e 945s' for vocals, 'e 906s' for the guitar cabinets and snare drum, the 'e 604s' for toms, and an 'e 901' on the kick drum.[85]

Personal

Current line-up
File:IwanAutomatic.jpg
Robin Hawkins Paul Mullen James Frost Iwan "Wange" Griffiths
Vocals, bass guitar, synthesizer, flute Vocals, guitar, synthesizer (2007-present) Guitar, synthesizer, backing vocals, bass guitar Drums

Former band members

Live collaborators, studio personal & crew

The band have collaborated on a number of occasions for live shows, notably for Reading and Leeds festivals in 2006 during the performances of "Gold Digger" the band performed with Goldie Lookin Chain[86], similarly in 2007 at T In The Park the band performed the track with singer-guitarist Newton Faulkner[87], during the live performance of "Gold Digger", former guitar technician for The Automatic Jamie Allen would perform bass guitar, as Rob played flute.[88] In 2008 with album and track "This Is A Fix" an additional bass player was required for its performance as Rob would be providing synthesizers in the track, during club tour Tom Stephens of Viva Machine provided bass, whilst in later tours Peter Hill stood in as bassist on the track. Notable on many of the bands tours have featured James "Jizz" Lawrenson as the band's sound engineer[85], Stan Saunders as band's monitor engineer and Mike Doyle as tour manager, a position Peter Hill also took in 2008/09 touring, Mike was also featured during a live cover of Talking Heads single "Life During Wartime" on the 2007 NME Tour.[89]

The band have long had a studio relationship with producer Richard Jackson, who is responsible for working with the band on albums; Not Accepted Anywhere, This Is A Fix &Tear the Signs Down and subsequent b-sides and demos[90] as well as this the band have been managed by Martin Bowen with Probation Management since 2005.[91] As well as working in studio with Richard, the sophomore release was worked on initially with Don Gilmore, followed by Butch Walker & Richard Jackson and on one track Stephen Harris, who also worked with the band on their debut, along with Ian Broudie.[92] To date, musically the only other musicians to be featured besides the band themselves were Chris T-T and Frank Turner, the two musicians along with producer Butch Walker were featured providing gang vocals and extra percussion on This Is A Fix track "Steve McQueen".

Reception

List of The Automatic awards
Award Wins Nominations
Kerrang! Awards
 0 1
Vodafone Music Awards
 1 0
T4 Music Awards
 1 0
The Pop Factory Awards
 4 1
Totals
Awards won 6
Nominations 2

The September 2008 issue of Rock Sound magazine pointed out that the band don't have many fans among their peers, the band blamed their hit single "Monster" and its success, they also pointed out how they have got were they are on their own and not relying on other bands to help them out, however they have made friends along the way.

I think that most bands don't like us, I think bands look at us and go 'Nah'.

— James Frost[93]

At the time of their debut release, Not Accepted Anywhere, the band were rated #10 in the BBC's sound of 2006[94] British band Kasabian called The Automatic as "horrible" in an NME interview in 2007.[95]

The band had a short feud with The Horrors, throughout the build up to the NME Indie Rock Tour 2007 there was growing tension between the band and The Horrors, the problem started after in an interview with NME guitarist James Frost was questioned about The Horrors, saying they were "crap", over-hyped and who just have "big hair"[96]. The Horrors responded to this in an interview saying "there are probably people who don't get our music. I'm sure they'll be much happier flogging their dead horse." The bassist then responded by saying "They're raping a dead pig." In an interview with Gigwise.com Frost continued the feud by stating "I think that they come from the sort of art-school background and they're just trying to be as cool as possible. We don't really care to be honest, if you don't like us don't bother with us."[97][98] The dispute was supposedly settled during the NME Tour over a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'.[99]

To date all the singles released by The Automatic, from "Recover" in November 2005, to "Steve McQueen" in August 2008 have charted in the UK Singles Top 40, including both original releases and re-releases of "Raoul" and "Recover". The bands highest charting single to-date is "Monster" which charted at #4, this is followed by "Steve McQueen" which charted at #16.

Discography

Main article: The Automatic discography

Albums

References

  1. ^ The Automatic BBC Biography bbc.co.uk
  2. ^ Coverage: Regional Press: The Automatic chuffmedia.com, The Automatic, November 03 2009
  3. ^ "The Automatic Automatic interview". They Will Rock You (Mary Ouellette). 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ^ "If only success was Automatic". icwales (Claire Rees). 14 October 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2006.
  5. ^ Heawood, Sophie (16 June 2006). "The Automatic, Not Accepted Anywhere". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 March 2008.
  6. ^ "The Automatic announce debut album release". NME. 27 April 2006. Retrieved 27 April 2006.
  7. ^ "What we've been up to since last blog innit!". theautomatic.co.uk (James Frost). 22 October 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
  8. ^ 19.09.09 Cardiff Barefly theautomatic.co.uk, 20 September 2009
  9. ^ Best Laid Plans theautomatic.co.uk, 20 September 2009
  10. ^ "The Automatic play Cardiff". BBC Radio 6. 8 June 2006. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  11. ^ "About The Automatic Automatic". Haystack Biographies. 2007. Retrieved 14 March 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  12. ^ "The Automatic Automatic (2007 Band Profile)". MTV. 2007. Retrieved 14 March 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  13. ^ "/Wales Music/ The Automatic interview (2005)". BBC (Nat Davies). 4 January 2007. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "MOJO". MOJO. 14 March 2008. Retrieved 11 May 2008. {{cite web}}: Text "Bands" ignored (help); Text "London Live" ignored (help); Text "The Automatic" ignored (help)
  15. ^ "The Automatic interview". Sound Nation (James McLaren). 2005. Retrieved 11 December 2007. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  16. ^ "B Unique Records - Artists - The Automatic". B-Unique Records. 14 March 2008.
  17. ^ "The Automatic - Recover". BBC. 7 November 2005. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  18. ^ a b "Rocklouder catches up with The Automatic to talk all about the new album, on the last night of their first tour with new boy Paul Mullen". Rocklouder (Phillip May). 29 April 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  19. ^ "The Automatic @ Bar Pure". BBC. 23 February 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  20. ^ a b "The Automatic announce tour details". NME. 19 August 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  21. ^ "The Automatic "Recover"". BBC Wales. 21 November 2005. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  22. ^ "New Automatic Reviews ..." theautomatic.co.uk. 12 March 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  23. ^ "The Automatic announce debut album release". NME. 17 April 2006. Retrieved 3 May 2008.
  24. ^ "The Automatic Not Accepted Anywhere". Drowned In Sound. 19 August 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  25. ^ "The Automatic - The popsters borrow some emo and a bit of Kaiser Chiefs to give us lots of good tunes!". NME. 16 June 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  26. ^ a b "The Automatic - Interview (2008)". Digital Spy. 19 August 2008. Retrieved 18 August 2008.
  27. ^ "The Automatic compilation EP "Raoul"". Virgin Music. 27 June 2006. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  28. ^ "The Automatic Japan Tour". Music Towers. 14 August 2006. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  29. ^ "The Automatic 2007 Interview". Designer Magazine. 2006. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  30. ^ "BBC Nottingham Radio Interview Segment, Prior to [[NME]] Indie Rock Tour". BBC Radio (Interview with Guitarist James Frost). 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2008. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  31. ^ "The Automatic - Raoul (B-Unique)". musicOHM. 8 January 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2008.
  32. ^ "(Review) Raoul 2007 Re-release single". Tourdates.co.uk. 4 January 2007. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  33. ^ "NME Rock Tour - Liverpool Mountford Hall". thebeatsurrender.co.uk. 21 February 2007. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  34. ^ "Columbia Records Announces the Stateside Release of 'Not Accepted Anywhere,' the Acclaimed début Album From Emerging UK Band, The Automatic Automatic". PR Newswire. 20 March 2007. Retrieved 20 March 2007.
  35. ^ "The Automatic Automatic: Double the Name, Double the Fun". Spin. 27 July 2007. Retrieved 18 June 2008.
  36. ^ "The Automatic plot first US headlining tour". NME. 17 July 2007. Retrieved 18 June 2008.
  37. ^ efestivals "Get Loaded in the Park - Sunday 26 August 2007". efestivals. 26 August 2007. Retrieved 8 January 2008. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  38. ^ "Automatic now Pennie less". icwales (Gavin Allen). 7 November 2007. Retrieved 22 March 2008.
  39. ^ "The Automatic have today announced that keyboard player Alex Pennie has left the band". theautomatic.co.uk. 18 September 2007. Retrieved 18 September 2007.
  40. ^ "Pennie quits The Automatic". NME. 18 September 2007. Retrieved 18 September 2007.
  41. ^ "Home and Studio stuff". theautomatic.co.uk. 10 September 2007. Retrieved 9 October 2007.
  42. ^ "The Automatic; We Weren't "Cool" Enough For Pennie". NME. 3 November 2007. Retrieved 22 March 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  43. ^ "Update". Alex Pennie. MySpace. 16 December 2007. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); External link in |authorlink= (help)
  44. ^ Elfyn, Bethan (26 May 2009). "Radio 1 Interview with Alex Pennie of Decimals & live session". BBC Radio 1. Retrieved 22 March 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  45. ^ "Pennie Would Have Split The Automatic". The Automatic. XFM. 18 August 2007. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); External link in |authorlink= (help)
  46. ^ "What we've been up to since last blog innit". theautomatic.co.uk (James Frost blog). 22 October 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  47. ^ "Comin home, with new tunes in our suitcases. literally". MySpace blog. 1 March 2008. Retrieved 2 March 2008.
  48. ^ "Automatic now Pennie less". icwales (Gavin Allen). 7 November 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2007.
  49. ^ "Yourcodenameis: The Automatic, apparently". Drowned in Sound. 19 October 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  50. ^ "The Automatic announce famous new member". NME. 19 October 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  51. ^ "Automatic Automatic Interview (w/ Iwan Griffiths)". warpedtour.net (Unofficial Warped Tour Guide). 24 March 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  52. ^ "Blah de blah!!!". theautomatic.co.uk (Iwan Griffiths blog). 29 October 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  53. ^ "Back to the grind". theautomatic.co.uk (Rob Hawkins Blog). 20 September 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  54. ^ "The Automatic James Frost Audio Interview (5.16 single details)". BBC (Nottingham). 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  55. ^ "The Automatic Unleashed". ukmusic.com (Helen Duong). 15 January 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  56. ^ "The Automatic Announce UK Club Tour". gigwise (Daniel Melia). 1 January 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
  57. ^ "The Automatic Announce UK Tour!". Rocklouder.co.uk. 10 April 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  58. ^ "New line-up, new sound, new album for the Welsh rockers…". MTV. 21 May 2008. Retrieved 25 May 2008.
  59. ^ "Bloc Party & The Automatic Both Debut New Material". Rocklouder. 7 July 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2008.
  60. ^ "Free downloads, gigs and other shizzle!!". theautomatic.co.uk. 31 July 2008. Retrieved 31 July 2008.
  61. ^ "Hola!!!!". theautomatic.co.uk (Iwan). 19 October 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2008.
  62. ^ "Get Cape & Friends Announce Last Astoria Show". Rocklouder.co.uk. 9 January 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
  63. ^ ""6 brand spanking new tracks fully demoed and mixed and sounding like phat bastards. Can't wait to start gigging them."". Twitter. 16 March 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
  64. ^ "Good day to you!!". (Iwan) theautomatic.co.uk. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  65. ^ "Forum". theautomatic.co.uk. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 4 September 2009.
  66. ^ Best Laid Plans theautomatic.co.uk, 6 August 2008
  67. ^ Listening through strings parts on the new tracks! Sounding plush methinks! theautomatic@twitter, 6 August 2009
  68. ^ August Recording Sessions flickr.com, theautomatic, August 2009
  69. ^ November tour datestheautomatic.co.uk, 28 September 2009
  70. ^ We is making a music video. If you're round chapter arts in Cardiff come say hi. Twitter, The Automatic, 12 October 2009
  71. ^ Spying out the window at The Automatic filming their latest video out the front of Chapter in front of the specially painted hoardings. Twitter, Chapter Arts Centre, 12 October 2009
  72. ^ Moody and tired. Vid should be hitting your screens end of October. Sharpen your eyes. Twitter, Paul Mullen, 12 October 2009
  73. ^ Cheers for all the congrats! Still haven't had a chance to get out. Beach today maybe. Video shoot tomorrow, filming for channel 4 wed. mint Twitter, Paul Mullen, 10 October 2009
  74. ^ Havent done a tweet in days ... hmm. Nice day in studio today, complete with tv film crew! Now, football ... Twitter, James Frost, 14 October 2009
  75. ^ Shiny new photos for new single/album today. Video being edited as we speak. Last 2 tracks from record finished by next week. It's all go twitter, Paul Mullen, 20 October 2009
  76. ^ Myspace blog myspace.com 16 October 2009, Studio update
  77. ^ "bbc theautomatic not accepted anywhere". bbc. Retrieved 29 October 2007.
  78. ^ "The Automatic - Popworld Interview (Video)". Youtube, Popworld. Retrieved 14 May 2004.
  79. ^ "theautomatic influences". The Automatic (Myspace). Retrieved 29 October 2007.
  80. ^ "theautomatic the sound". theautomatic.co.uk. Retrieved 29 October 2007.
  81. ^ "The Automatic Automatic Interview". They Will Rock You (Mary Ouellette). 2007. Retrieved 15 May 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  82. ^ "The Automatic Monster Hit - Interview with Robin Hawkins(14 June 2006)". The Sun. 14 June 2007. Retrieved 15 May 2008.
  83. ^ "Introduction to The Automatic - "On The Campaign Trail, All full of angular guitar chops and tight jerking rhythms, its title is a backhand reference to Hunter S. Thompson"". VIRB.com. Retrieved 15 May 2008.
  84. ^ "The Automatic - News - Recover Re-release Single (July Thread)". theautomatic.co.uk. 2006. Retrieved 15 May 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  85. ^ a b "The Automatic fixed with Sennheiser". lsionline.co.uk. 5 June 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  86. ^ GLC and The Automatic To Unite At Carling Weekend festivalwise, July 2009
  87. ^ The Automatic with Newton Faulkner at T in the Park theautomatic.co.uk, video blogs, 31.08.2007, Newton Faulkner with The Automatic: "Gold Digger" youtube, johnbownas, 30 August 2007
  88. ^ Radio 1 Live Lounge; June 2006 peterhill.net, July 2009
  89. ^ "Tour Starts Today!". theautomatic.co.uk. 2 April 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
  90. ^ the automatic/band theautomatic.co.uk, July 2009
  91. ^ The Automatic BBC, July 2009
  92. ^ FUTURE RELEASE: The Automatic accessmylibrary.com, CMP Information Ltd, Publication: Music Week, 28 June 2008
  93. ^ Newbound, Tim (1 August 2008). "The Automatic - Second Album! - Easy?". Rock Sound. Retrieved 19 August 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  94. ^ Sound of 2006: The Top 10: The Automatic BBC, Number 10, Sound of 2006, 2006, 20 July 2009
  95. ^ "Kasabian Slam Music Scene". Contact Music. 7 May 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2008.
  96. ^ "NME tour tensions - Little tour of Horrors for The Fratellis". BBC. 13 October 2006. Retrieved 7 April 2008.
  97. ^ "The Automatic rubbish The Horrors". NME. 11 October 2006. Retrieved 7 April 2008.
  98. ^ "Call the RSPCA: The Horrors "Raping a dead pig" say The Automatic". Drowned In Sound. 16 January 2007. Retrieved 7 April 2008.
  99. ^ "The Horrors "The Automatic are Boring" And they tell all just hours before lining up to play alongside them…". MTV. 3 March 2007. Retrieved 25 May 2008.

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