Auto-Auto

"Sounds of A New Generator" (Album, 2005)

Substream

This debut album from Sweden's Auto-Auto is an uncommon blend of influences. The naturally confident vocals could be lifted from several major alt.indie players, whilst the music ranges from Killers-esque glam pop, through the laid-back Apoptygma Berzerk electro of An Argument. Oddly, Queen of Flies sounds like unshakeably like every member of Squeeze was raised exclusively on early Mute singles. There's very little post-production fiddling with the voice too - a nice (and welcome) change in this field.

In general tone, I'm reminded of the way in which Seabound wrap underground electro in more mainstream song writing conventions. To their credit, since Auto Auto are largely competent in any style variation they turn their hands to, this tends to work wherever in the alternative spectrum each new song happens to reside. Mass For The End of Time suggests a path well worth following in future, more intellectual and considered and less concerned with pop song conventions, its brooding, foreboding quality is impressive. Harmageddon is a fine example of their alt.pop side, expertly bringing together fuzzy guitars, crisp percussion and a deep bass synth line. Closing with Switchblade was a terrific choice - its leftfield cello, piano, soft percussion, quirky synth melodies and deliberately twang American vocal delivery could be eels on top form and ensures this debut won't be forgotten in a hurry.

There is clearly a lot being worked through the system on Sounds of A New Generator and I'd expect subsequent long players to be more focused and better still as a consequence. Nevertheless, even in this formative stage there's plenty worth spending your time with. 7/10

Rob Dyer (May 2009)

See also:
Apoptygma Berzerk
Edge of Dawn
The Killers
(early) Rotersand
Seabound