Monster, monster, monster, monster! Yes it’s the dynamic four piece from Wales with a now annoying chart topping tune, who have stormed their way right to the forefront of the hip and trendy. With a relatively disappointing debut album under their belt, and a recent NME tour success it’s interesting to see if the boys can deliver the goods on their own tour. Simply put, they most certainly can.

Tonight The Automatic race through the entirety of Not Accepted Anywhere, including the fantastic single ‘Raoul’ and the irritating ‘Monster’. However, the most important point is the fact that the filler on their debut album takes on another vibrant form in a live setting. The once awkward ‘That’s What She Said’ and dull ‘You Shout…’ mean so much more in a live setting, with the now sweaty band going hell for leather also not forgetting ‘Seriously I hate You Guys’, a song about someone they don’t talk to anymore, is performed with more venom than you would expect the endearing Welsh chappies to have!

Another interesting point about tonight’s gig is the fact that the synth factory and screecher, Pennie, seems to have calmed down and lets the others do some of the talking. In previous gigs Pennie would take over as the ‘voice of the band’ but tonight we see a more democratic Automatic, where even guitarist Frost can introduce the odd song. This is not to say that Pennie was less energetic, quite the opposite in fact, as he was last seen trying his hardest to haul himself into the hungry crowd. Thankfully he falls short of finding something to clamber up and make a right tit of himself.  

One of tonight’s few lows is seen with old material such as ‘Jack Daniels’, which sounds desperately thin and doesn’t really get off the ground. But even this bum moment is met with The Automatics secret weapon ‘Lost in Town’ which shows that they are not ‘Monster’ churning one trick pony.

Although the end of the set sees with a worrying cover of ‘Gold Digger’ (there is cause for concern because the song contains so much Pennie), an explosive ‘Recover’ leaves the crowd begging for more. Oh if only there was some more.
(4/5)

Check for Live Dates  Photos: Simon Hoyle