Automatic Drawing

Oh Automatic Drawing, won't you play me lullaby? The L.A. band's got a new EP, The Captain and the Sea, and it's oh so soothing.

So I guess it was probably a good idea that they changed their name from "Streets on Fire" earlier this fall. In their own words, the change will probably help to deconnotate them with "hardcore metal or Dante's Inferno or something".


The Captain and the Sea Track List:

1. Appalachia
2. Automatic Drawing - The Captain and the Sea (mp3)
3. If You Leave
4. The War
5. We're Not From This Town

The title track will give you a good idea of who Automatic Drawing are as a band, and where they're headed with their music. Simplicity and melancholy make a lasting impression here. I feel that the vocals and guitar are very reminiscent of Death Cab, in all the best ways.

Now, the five-track EP as a whole. It'll calm your head and steady your pulse. I've already found great gratification from both falling asleep and waking up to the voices of Drew Kirkpatrick and Maria Martin (who is no longer with the band, but we all wish you well in your future endeavours, darling). Boy-girl vocal mixes in soft rock aren't a new innovation, perhaps most popularly exemplified with the Stars. But the thing is, we won't tire of these artists. There's just such a sense of honesty that comes through when the songs are written and performed well. We can't help but be moved by them, even if only in a subtle way. Listen to Automatic Drawing. You'll know what I'm talking about.

But really, case in point:
Even with its persuasive bittersweet tone, Automatic Drawing's new EP, The Captain and the Sea, leaves you with that rare, but vital everything-will-be-okay feeling. And don't we all need to be reminded of how that feels every now and then?

The EP release party is set for this Saturday at the Viper Room on Sunset Blvd. Be sure to check it out and pick up a copy of The Captain and the Sea while you're there. They've got a nice batch of shows lined up throughout California until the end of November, so there's no excuse for missing out if you're lucky enough to live in the area.

But if you're not from that town (it's a joke regarding the last track on their EP. Har har har I'm not funny), you should still show your support by voting for Automatic Drawing in Deli LA's Artist of the Month here.

C'mon people! And while we're at it, let's help Automatic Drawing become the first result when you Google search their name. They deserve at least that much.