Archive for the ‘Automatic Loveletter’ Category
Automatic Loveletter – 2009 EP
It’s been a busy month and a long time since I’ve written an article. In that time I haven’t heard a whole lot of great music. And while 2009 has not started off with the momentum that I expected coming off of 08, I’m still hopeful that the summer will inject some life into the scene as it tends to do. Part of my reasoning relates to the re-emergence of Automatic Loveletter, who have so delightfully teased us with a 3-track EP before the release of their full length debut. While the 2009 EP feels more like a single, it’s still worth every penny despite this shortcoming. The release features two new songs ‘The Day That Saved Us’ and ‘Goodbye’, as well as their previous hit ‘Hush’.
Firstly, the EP is AMAZING to say the least, and should be heard if you are any kind of a fan of theirs. Please be aware that I’m not saying this because I happen to be a huge fan myself, or because I’m slightly infatuated with the lead singer, but really the new tracks completely blew me away. As deep and meaningful as I thought Automatic Loveletter were, they still managed to take their game to a new level of intimacy. The lyrics are dramatic, the rhythm is soulful, and the music, simply powerful.
The Day That Saved Us is an epic track, with an inspiring intro to boot. The song begins with solid drumming and guitar work that sets the tone and delivers on the audio dramatics. The melody is incredibly soulful and simple, which works well to showcase the vocals of Juliet. Juliet did a great job keeping mellow during the verses and emphatically switching into a passionate chorus. As always her raspy voice really demands the attention of listeners, and breathes life into the lyrics which are almost love sonnets. The track is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and while a lot of bands follow this pattern, Automatic Loveletter always seems to get it right. I was so impressed with the lyrics, the vocal delivery and the melody that this track alone could convince me to buy the album. However, Automatic Loveletter was kind enough to include Goodbye, which I suspect will also be featured on the LP when it comes out.
Goodbye doesn’t begin nearly as dramatically as The Day That Saved Us, in fact it feels more like a genuine rock song. It has a very edgy verse, and even the vocals are delivered in a fast paced, nonchalant manner. The melody solidifies this feeling with a catchy and grungy beat that doesn’t really tap into the emotions that Automatic Loveletter tends to do. But before long, the track turns up the soul, as Goodbye delivers with a very intense chorus. The chorus is extended at the end to transform this track into something as epic as the first. A very neat transition from edgy rock to an emotional ballad, Automatic Loveletter definitely attempted something a bit out of the ordinary.
I really enjoyed the new material, and while it’s not something entirely different, I can still see the changes they made. The instrumentals seem to have gotten a lot more vibrant with a more complete sound. The vocals are still the same (awesome), but I noticed they have become more versatile as the lyrical melodies have gotten more complex. Overall all, Automatic Loveletter has always been impressive since day one, and any updates in sound only solidify the potential and greatness this band has. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of their debut cd, because I have no doubt that it’ll be a contender in 09.
Check out their Myspace for more info about them.
Automatic Loveletter – The Day That Saved Us
Automatic Loveletter – Recover EP
Automatic Loveletter is a band who has recently garnered my attention through their emotionally driven rock tunes. From Tampa Florida, this female fronted band rocks out through the use of aggressive vocals, and powerful instruments. With five excellent tracks, Recover is an EP to check out for those who dig the slightly emo, but definitely aggressive rock music that Automatic Loveletter provides.
I first gave these guys (and girl) a listen while browsing bands that will be attending this years Warped Tour. After a quick visit to their myspace page, I quickly realised this was a band I was excited to check out. The first song off the EP, The Answer, is heart-warming, smooth, and typically a really easy listen. It’s a soft song, but packs plenty of emotion through the use of a powerful voice box, and passionate instruments. The vocals are really the x-factor that won me over when listening to Automatic Loveletter. Juliet Simms, the vocalist, is incredibly beautiful and has vocals to match. Her sound ranges from a seductive whisper to a slightly raspy, but powerful singing voice. In The Answer you can hear the two tones during the verse and chorus, which work hand in hand to create that over zealous sound which resonates from this album. Another thing of note is that Juliet’s voice is very raw and sounds naturally cool, the kind of voice that gives either a great or terrible first impression, in this case the earlier.
The instruments also play a big factor for Automatic Loveletter, matching the tone of music set by the vocals. There are a lot of simple riffs played using overdriven guitars, as well as other elements that I can’t quite put my hands on, overall adding the finishing touches to some classy music. There might have been a feint use of an organ, but it’s all these little things combined that create the perfect emo-aggressive sound. The rest of the EP is much of the same. Hush the third track off the album is a little slower and more mellow, venturing to say it’s even more emotionally-driven and moving than any of the other songs on Recover. It’s really deep in terms of lyrics and sound. The vocals in this song are particularly a great example of why Automatic Loveletter is so good. Make-Up Smeared Eyes, the final track can match in emotional value, but this is mainly due to the acoustic backbone of the song. Again, the lyrics and vocals are insanely good.
Overall, the entire EP was an excellent listen, but it really depends on the mood you’re in. After a long day of work, it’s nice to listen to a very subtle, warming band such as Automatic Loveletter, but don’t expect any upbeat melodies. Automatic Loveletter, is one of the emo bands out there that I really enjoyed, and their passion sounds authentic and not faked like many of the mainstream bands. For music that speaks to the heart, Automatic Loveletter is able to do just that.
Check out their Myspace for official tour dates and news.
