Autogramm, the synth-driven power-poppers from Seattle, Chicago and Vancouver, have just released their latest LP, 'Music That Humans Can Play'. Their first album in over two years wis released on vinyl and digital formats world-wide via Stomp Records (and Beluga Records EU).
With their new album 'Music That Humans Can Play' the band dedicated themselves to bringing in sounds from influences like The Fixx, David Bowie, Cheap Trick, The Boys, The Dickies, Jay Reatard, and Prince. The result is a decisively cohesive album that will fit in easily to the 80s section of your record collection, with songs so well-crafted they probably deserve to be on the soundtrack of Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
'Music That Humans Can Play' explores a myriad of lyrical themes ranging from hilarious to tragic. Most notable are songs like 'Love is for Fools' examining the topic of love during the time of Covid, 'Born Losers' embracing failure, feeling left out and being okay with it, 'WannaBe' encouraging loving one another in whatever physical forms we take, and 'Why do we Dance?' promoting Autogramm’s MO: Dance like nobody's watching!
CC Voltage described the background to the third track on the album, “The song Hey Allie materialized at the end of a long, depressing winter. I was digging through old demos trying to find something worth using for the new album, when my partner encouraged me to write something for our unborn daughter. This gave me the inspiration to make something new instead of rehashing old ideas. It was a tough year for our family in a number of ways, and writing this tune was me offering a ray of sunshine for when we find ourselves in those gloomy periods of our lives.”
The new album was written while Autogramm ultimately reconsidered their future as a band in the time of the global pandemic. Despite the many factors which lead to being separated between their respective cities, sharing ideas remotely became the fodder that would ultimately become Music That Humans Can Play. In fact, drummer The Silo was finishing writing songs for the album on his flight from Chicago the day before hitting the studio.
Part of the spark that reignited the band's fire was asking their friend Lars Von Seattle to join the band. The legendary guitarist of Sub Pop’s late 90s and early 00s teenage heartthrobs, The Catheters had this to say, “Joining Autogramm was kind of a no-brainer since I was a big fan of the music, as well as genuinely enjoying their gracious company over the years – a rare combination, indeed. Planning the recording remotely was a new, and at times, challenging process but I think the record is more interesting and unconventional (dare I say eclectic?!) as a result. When we finally convened in Vancouver, long hours were spent diligently rehearsing and recording, but we also made plenty of time for extracurricular and memorable hot summer hangs– which I think can be heard on the record. It’s a total honor and a new pleasure to be inducted into such a dynamic, fun-loving, and multi-talented band of plastique punques.”
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