Automata - 2023 - Heart Murmur [mini-review]

(42:10; Atypeek Music / Araki Records)



















French band Automata are out with the album "Heart Murmur", and the landscapes explored on this production probably falls in under the progressive rock definition somewhere. The tradition this album revolves around is post-rock, and the nervous instrument details and use of textured instruments are both present, alongside the expected ebb and flow and gradual build up to more majestic surges. In this case with a band that does expand the borders and boundaries just a little bit though. Besides the perhaps more common use of ambient details and gentler folk-inspired instrument details we are also getting some additional features here: A little bit of synth pop and electronic pop sneak in on one occasion, other songs comes across as having a bit of a post-punk undercurrent, and noise effects are also applied here and there. With a little bit of a flirt with the classic rock guitar and organ combination thrown in for good measure. This is all combined in rather accessible and compelling constructions, and those with a general fascination for the more accessible varieties of the post-rock tradition and music with close tie-ins to this style should probably feel right at home with the material present on this album.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, December 2023

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/weareautomata
https://www.atypeekmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063525940031

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