One listen of Head Automatica’s latest album, “Popaganda,” isn’t enough, because after a second (and a third, and a fourth) listen, it manages to grow on you.
For its sophomore release, Head Automatica definitely heads into the power-pop genre, which might come as a bit of a shock for alt-hardcore fans who may recognize frontman Daryl Palumbo as the former screamer of the band Glassjaw. But don’t hold that against the band – it’s exactly the sound the band was headed for.
The band’s first album, “Decadence,” was a catchy, beat-driven production, relying as much on the electronics of Dan the Automator as it did on Palumbo’s distinct singing voice. With Dan gone, the band has switched from disco-punk to straight up power-pop and the change is definitely for the better.
The opener and first single, “Graduation Day,” kicks the album off to a fine start as Palumbo demonstrates his impressive vocal ability against the backdrop of a catchy hook and a soaring chorus. “Laughing at You” is just as catchy and maintains the same level of quality as Palumbo boldly sings, “I think they’re laughing at your band/I’m feelin’ sorry for your band.”
“Lying Through Your Teeth” and “Nowhere Fast” aren’t as impressive. The songs aren’t bad by any means – cheating has never sounded as fun as it does on “Teeth”- they’re just kind of boring. The album is kind of inconsistent in this way. Much of the second half of the album drags but it picks back up with tracks such as the piano-driven “Cannibal Girl,” which helps give the album its distinct sound. Lyrics such as, “That’s what hearts are for/You give her one, she breaks more,” gives the song itself some of its uniqueness.
Smart and unusual lyrics are one definite consistency throughout the album. They’re forward and to the point, which makes up for any lack of depth. The chorus in “Oxycontin” is powerful on its own, “I got away with murder last night in the parking lot/In cold blood I have murdered parts of us that we forgot.”
All in all, this disc isn’t for those looking for a deep, dark emo album that makes one want to take a walk out into oncoming traffic. It’s sunny, infectious and by no means a showcase of the band’s musical worth. It’s ultimately an album full of likeable songs that are perfect for summertime listening – one gets the idea that was kind of the band’s point.
