Back in 2006 Welsh band The Automatic was on the verge of major success. Two years later and ready to release a second album, the band are still trying to find that success. Like many new bands, they were built up and then someone else came along. But there is more to them than just misplaced hype. Debut album 'Not Accepted Anywhere' is genuinely good and they scooped a number of 'new band' awards. Surviving a line-up change 'Steve McQueen' is the band's first single since the departure of Alex Pennie in 2007.
It is clear from the opening guitars and drums of 'Steve McQueen' that this is much heavier than previous singles. 'Monster' and 'Raoul' have a quirky charm that is all but gone here. Without trying to sound patronising this is much more mature and focused. The song expresses the feelings of alienation and being incarcerated (hence the Great Escape analogy) but also the frustration of schism. Even though some of the vocals are a bit wooden, the chorus is a predictable lift as the whole band begin to sing. This is the new sound of British emo-rock. Getting the balance right is hard. You either go all out and hope it works (see kinsmen Lostprophets and Funeral For A Friend for good examples of this) or try to stay on the more 'credible' side. Just over two minutes in and the answer is there. The song slows into a series of vocal layers before drums come crashing back with added guitars. Wonderful.
"Can't put my finger on what's changed. To my surprise I found everything the same. In a house that's not quite home. Nothing was missing but something had gone" sings Rob Hawkins in the opening verse. This is followed later by "Everything's just as I left it. But it wasn't me who left it. The position has been filled". Bitterness or just a coincidence that the lyrics echo the recent turbulence within the band? Whatever the answer, 'Steve McQueen' seems to be the start of a new beginning for a band still trying to find success.
-- CS
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