Brand New Autolux!!

Autoux- Pussy's Dead
So for anyone who has read even three sentences from me on this blog knows how important Autolux are to my eardrums. From the moment I heard them back in 2006 when they opened for Nine Inch Nails (who were my favorite band at the time) they took over my favorite band slot from then to this day. They consistently inspired me, challenged me, and made my hips wiggle.  

Now before I rant and my point is completely lost: I fucking love this album. It hasn't fully sank into my brain just yet, but I always listen to a new release at least three times in its entirety before I let me opinions leak into this blog. I think this album will only season itself in better ways in my collection with time. 

The album starts off with "Selectallcopy" which starts with a strange, processed noise followed closely with the first new groove Autolux has released since 2010's Transit Transit. This song sets the tone of the album with a pop like verses leading up to a dissonant use of noise for their chorus. This is why I've always loved Autolux. Catchy songs with just the right amount of obscurity.

The only track on the album I dislike is "Soft Scene" because it sounds like it's on there by mistake. Soft Scene was the first single released off this album, and I was super nervous to think the rest of the album was going to sound like it. I was so happy when I heard that it was not. I understand bands change and challenge their listeners which is more than acceptable to me, but I would hop off the Autolux train at that point. I listen to albums as a whole, but every time that track comes on, I skip it.

The entire album has a familiar Autolux sound. A subdued, noisy rumble with hooks all over the place. I was really impressed with how much catchier the songs were while still maintaining their roots. The main thing that stands out to me on this album are the drums. Drums drums drums. They always have such a catchy groove, but they are always done just unique enough to where you're impressed but not distracted. The guitar tones are just as mind blowing as ever. Greg did more of the lead vocals than Eugene. They're a little more "awake" sounding than previous albums in my opinion.

Reappearing is a new, studio rendition of a live jam they have done for years now. I shit my pants when I saw it on the track-list for this album. Hands down my favorite song. The tones, the notes, the instruments themselves, the lyrics, the arrangement, everything. The song is perfect from start to finish. 

To put it simply, this album is amazing! It lived did way more than live up to my expectations. You can tell instantly it's Autolux, while still going in a new and refreshing musical direction. I'm really excited to be able to see this stuff live. Even more excited to have my friend see them live because I don't think a single one of them has yet! 


-Novak