David Doll’s new band Automat is the definition of a great power pop band. Cues from Beatles, Badfinger, 10cc, Dwight Twilley and Big Star are all here on display. And rather than feel forced, it’s a natural part of the Automat sound. This is another great 2007 release that I just missed and it showed up on a few top ten lists. Automat is the real deal here, with a portion of the tracks coming off of David Doll’s EP release of last year (Emusic has this). It starts with the blast of “I Don’t Mind” adding those loud rhythmic guitars and David’s great vocals which are similar in timbre to Cliff Hillis (IKE). “Comeback Special” is a perfect single that will give you goosebumps and will have your body moving in no time. It has more hooks than a seaside bait shop and will “sha-la-la” into your brain. It’s what power pop is all about. “Long Way To Go” has a bit of the Raspberries and Rubinoos mixed together here for a dazzling effect. And of course, the Beatlesque tunes like “Sleep” and “Alright” are most welcome to these ears. The latter chorus, David intones “Here comes heaven and here comes love, it’s everything I thought it would be.” Are we talking about a girl here or the music? The chorus of the Badfingerish “Round and Round” is complete with dualing guitar riffs a la Beatles “The End.” These are truly beautiful songs all capped off by the riff-heavy instrumental “Independence Day.” As Bruce would say “extremely highly recommended” – I second that emotion.
David Doll Site | My Space | Not Lame