Head Automatica - Popaganda www.headautomatica.com www.warnerbrothers.com
Darryl Palumbo can do no wrong in my eyes.
While this is a very poppy and dancy record when compared to the last outing "Decadence", dont let its more sugary coating throw you off. The biggest difference on this record makes me recall the more tongue-in-cheek lyrical style of Glassjaw, minus the screaming.
This record seems to be the most personal record from Palumbo yet, and rather than let his self-loathing get the better of him, he decides to take it out on everyone else, by using his quick wit and sarcasm speak for themselves on this release, and while the lyrics may seem a bit trite at first, dont forget to add in the sarcasm, and then they will make sense.
So other than the front man dealing with his own personal issues, what ELSE does the record have going for it? For starters, the upbeat drumming, and more rock oriented guitars are the most prevalent thing you can hear, the occasional moog/synth outing helps add some more depth to many of the songs, and bass is finally brought out for a more, dare I say, smooth and sultry funk feel to it. The only major references to the "Decadence" record is the laid back Egyptian Musk and not much else.
The best thing about this record, is its not only fun, but its pure satirical wit, and not taking itself seriously, and not over-indulging itself to the point where it loses the point of the fact it is a pop record, but a pop record for those who actually got the musical references in the movie High Fidelity.
Sure, this is another outing that may not make sense, but if you read the lyrics to the songs, youll figure it out soon enough. Oh, before I finish this up, the song Graduation Day may seem like the breakout hit this band needs to launch them to superstardom, but only those who get the humor and wit will really appreciate this single.
8.5/10
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Head Automatica - Popaganda
