Popaganda - Head Automatica > Reviews > They want YOU!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Average
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Razor sharp, upbeat tune - smithing combines with Head Automatica's signature dry wit and intelligence to creat a  neat original pop package .  Catchy and original tunes are the product .
Disadvantages:	Sometimes the grass isn't greener and the older, more exciteable Head Automatica had something which is lost on this album . There are also few week links on the album

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Style: Modern pop-rock twist on the 70s wall of sound style
Best Track: Million Dollar Question
Weak Link: She's Not it

The mayhem of noise and 'scene-isms' that was alternative music in the late 90s gave us everything from Alter-Bridge to Zane Lowe. Many, but not all of them good. One thing that is definitely here to stay is the would be deep and meaningful band mission statement often containing a couple of abstract musical ideals along with an often weird and wonderful list of influences both of which bear no resemblance to the record itself. Fortunately it isn't all bad as occasionally a band comes along, creates a mission statement and actually fulfills it. When this happens what results is a truly tight and shining example of original album making, what results is an album like "Popaganda".

Daryl Palumbo, the front man of Head Automatica started by saying this "true pop music is the unbridled melodic craftsmanship and punk energy of Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Squeeze, Nick Lowe and Rockpile, and Graham Parker and the RumourBritish smartypants who set off the power-pop mod revival in the late 70s with their highly literate and impassioned song writing." before going on to say that he wanted to use this idea as "thematic touchstone for Head Automatica's new album Popaganda", quite a mouthful. I would just like to say one thing after all that: I think it worked.

Mostly the album dances along the line between HUGE anthemic ball busting and tight - natty songwriting with poise and finesse. While the album occasionally misses the mark and becomes either droll and dull or mindless this can be forgiven in contrast with what happens when the idea works. The only major downside I would point out would be that the band often seems so focussed on making the record in a specific way that they have created something which lacks some of the joy of their older more funky, punky and quirky tunes.

The album gets off to a slow start and unusually for a modern album the best stuff doesn't kick in till later so patience is required. The first songs are generally well written and the bands talent shines through in the painful catchiness of 'Graduation Day' and the brilliant layering of guitars and offbeat drumbeats that is 'Nowhere Fast' where the band's new 70s feel really shines. Despite the early show of natty song writing the album doesn't really take off until the first truly fast paced and upbeat guitar anthem of the album: 'Curious' which really toes the thin line entailed above. The tempo is kept up in the next song before being gently eased off with a tempting nod towards 'Jimmy Eat World' on 'Shot in the back'. Straight after comes the true gem of the album: 'Million Dollar Decision' which causes all songs before it to pale in comparison, some great rhythm again in this one coupled with some sumptuous vocals. Before the album comes to an end the band gives the knife one last twist with the seriously surprising 'Egyptian musk' which sees a complete different side of the band. I won't spoil this one for you. All that remains is one more special mention to 'Cannibal Girl' for its clever use of the wall of sound dynamic taken straight from Palumbo's 70s inspirations.

In modern music it is only occasionally that a band of obvious intelligence makes it into the public eye and it is blatantly obvious on listening to 'Popaganda' that Head Automatica thoroughly deserve to be such a band. Although it doesn't have the knife blade pace of its precedent it is obvious from the quick, catchy song writing that something has been gained in its place. The catchy rhythms and clever building of the wall of sound atmosphere are two things to look out for on this album. If you like: 'Jimmy Eat World', 'Panic at the Disco' or any of the other upbeat rock and dance rock heavyweights your sure to appreciate this album which is only let down by an occasional slip in form on some of the tracks. Happy listenings!