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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[2]), 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.[3] Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers are among the band's influences[4] The band released their debut album, Not Accepted Anywhere (2006) through B-Unique Records and Polydor Records, the album featured the prior to LP release single "Recover", "Raoul" and "Monster".[5] The band as of 1 March 2008 have finished their second album with new member Paul Mullen, after keyboardist/backing vocalist Alex Pennie left in September 2007.[6] The band's sixth single Steve McQueen was released on 18 August 2008, followed by the release of the album, This Is a Fix, on 25 August 2008.

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.[7][8] Originally known as White Rabbit, up until February 2005 when[9] they renamed themselves The Automatic because they believe that music is the antidote to "the automatic life".[10] After recording their two-track demo featuring rough versions of "Monster" and "Rats" in 2005[11] they signed a five-album record deal[12] with B-Unique Records in their gap year.[13]

Not Accepted Anywhere (2006–2007)

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".[14] 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.[15] 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",[16][17] the band quickly had further success, being awarded Best New Band in the Pop Factory Awards 2005.[18]

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.[19] the band went around the country between touring promoting the single and the forthcoming album with instore signings.[17]

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.[20] 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"[21] whilst NME wrote "screeching backing vocals, have made him sound like a new instrument all of its own" regarding the notorious vocalist. [22] 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". [23] The Raoul EP, a collection of b-sides and songs which didn't make the final album was released on 17 July 2006.[24]

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.[25][26]

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[23]

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.[27][28] the single charted slightly higher than previously (originally at #36) instead the single charted at #32 in the UK single chart.[29][30]

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.[31] 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.[32][33]

Alex Pennie left the band on September 18, 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.[34][35] 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.[36][37][38]

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.[39] Alex Pennie has more recently stated that he is returning to the UK to start work on "a new project".[40] 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.[41]

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[42]

This Is A Fix (2007–2008)

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,[43] two of which were "Steve McQueen" and "Secret Police", which both had been performed throughout 2007 on various tours.[44][45][46][47][48][49][50]

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.[51][52]

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.[53] 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.[54][55]

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,[56] following this track "This Is A Fix" was released as a free gift on 30 July 2008 via download.[57] 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.[58] 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.[59]

Third studio album (2009-present)

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.[60] The band fully recorded 4 of the new tracks in early April, and on April 18 it was confirmed that the new tracks are towards the bands third studio album[61][62]

The band released new track "Something Else" on August 6 2009 on their website, 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 in the coming days.[63] The band have been collaborating with other musicians, with bow instruments being used in their current recording session[64][65]

Activism & Charity work

The band have been seen supporting the Bollocks to Poverty campaign (http://www.actionaid.org.uk/bollocks), giving the advice "My tip is to do it with your friends. Get all your mates together and put on a gig in a youth club. Have fun. Try and be self-critical. Get a buzz going, put up lots of posters".[66]

Taking time out during the band's tour in the USA, the group signed a Gibson SG decorated by artist Andrew Hewkin, the guitar was later auctioned for charities including The Prince's Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.[67]

Most recently the band have been involved in charity work for The Samaritans, through a Six A Side football game, with such bands as Babyshambles, McFly, The Wombats and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.[68][69]

The band performed as a headlining act on the Rock Against Racism stage at Glastonbury Festival 2008, months later the band also donated money raised from a gig at Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre to Help a South Wales Child.[70]

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,[71] ;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.[72] The band cite their influences such as Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers,[73] and a joint love for bands such as Radiohead and Ash,[74] 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".[75][76][77][78][79]

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.[80]

Live Performances

The band are well known for their performances of "Gold Digger", which on numerous occasions they have been joined by various guests when performing the cover, including Newton Faulkner on the Warped Tour, and Goldie Lookin Chain at the Reading Festival.[81][82][83][84] The band as well as covering this have taken to covering Talking Heads' classic, Life During Wartime.[85] the band also used to occasionally cover At the Drive-In's song "Arc Arsenal"[86][87], on tours and performances in 2008, with the addition of Paul Mullen the band have been performing a 50/50 split of material, including "Monster", "Raoul", "On The Campaign Trail", "Lost At Home", "That's What She Said" and "By My Side" and "Recover" from Not Accepted Anywhere and various songs from This Is A Fix, no other songs from Not Accepted Anywhere have been performed as of yet since Mullen joined, however "Jack Daniels" from Raoul EP has been promised for autumn tours by the band, Usher cover "Love In This Club" which the band performed at radio 1 live lounge, as well as "Epic" by Faith No More have also been mentioned for further performances in 2008. Some of The Automatic's most notable touring appearances include Reading Festival 2006 and 2008, NME Awards Indie Rock Tour 2007, as well as appearances at Glastonbury Festival[88] and Warped Tour 2007.

The Automatic on the Vans Warped Tour.

Personal

Current band lineup

  • Rob Hawkins - lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, synths and keyboards, flute - Predominantly the lead vocalist and bass guitarist, Rob also provides plays synthesizer, and formerly performed flute on the bands now retired cover of "Gold Digger" and an early version of "By My Side".
  • James Frost - guitar, backing vocals, synths and keyboards - After Mullen's joining Frost plays a split of rhythm and lead guitar, as well as playing synthesizer; an Alesis Micron formerly played by Alex Pennie, Frost also provides backing vocals on almost all tracks.
  • Iwan "Wange" Griffiths - drums - Formed the band originally with Rob and Frost as 'White Rabbit' Iwan provides drums and percussion.
  • Paul Mullen - guitar, backing vocals & lead, synths and keyboards (2007-present) - After joining the band in October 2007, Paul serves as lead vocalist on several tracks and backing on many others, he like James Frost provides both lead & rhythm guitar, as well as playing synthesizer.[6][89]

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[90], similarly in 2007 at T In The Park the band performed the track with singer-guitarist Newton Faulkner[91], during the live performance of "Gold Digger", former guitar technician for The Automatic Jamie Allen would perform bass guitar, as Rob played flute.[92] 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[80], 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.[93]

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[94] as well as this the band have been managed by Martin Bowen with Probation Management since 2005.[95] 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.[96] 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[97]

At the time of their debut release, Not Accepted Anywhere, the band were rated #10 in the BBC's sound of 2006[98] British band Kasabian called The Automatic as "horrible" in an NME interview in 2007.[99]

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"[100]. 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."[101][102] The dispute was supposedly settled during the NME Tour over a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'.[103]

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

Albums

References

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