Autodrone ‘Strike A Match’ (Clairecords)

I got this album directly from Autodrone on a CDr with the track listing written on the back of a shop receipt. I’ve never heard of RiteAid before, and I hadn’t heard anything of Autodrone until recently. And while only US readers of this are able to do their shopping at that particular store chain, a lot of people everywhere are going to hear about Autodrone, and soon.

Mixing proto-industrial electronics with densely guitared wall of sound pop sensibilities, Autodrone make a glorious noise on each of ‘Strike A Match’s twelve tracks. Add to this aural bombardment the operatic swoop of Katherine Kennedy’s vocal and the New York quartet can do very little wrong. Fourth track ‘Kerosene Dreams’ highlights this mixture of styles utlising thunderous blasts of controlled feedback and off-kilter electronics,and seguing almost seamlessly into into the blissfully atmospheric ‘A Rose Has No Teeth’ a song drenched with soaring chords and some smartly turned out double timed drumming.

The wistful and almost folkish title track contains some hidden barbs of its own and a heartbreakingly beautiful vocal that will remain in your memories long after you’ve heard it (unless of course you buy the album).

The key to Autodrones ability is, paradoxically, their lack of finesse. Where their musicianship could slide into over fussed arrangements Autodrone aren’t afraid to grit their teeth and let us hear exactly what they want us to. Their blend of electronica and guitar energy recalls Throwing Muses at their most overwhelming, and Autodrone are only just getting started.

Jon Gordon