Automatic

The alternative rock band Automatic were once known as the Spinouts. Bassist Matt Fenton, Alex Jarvis on guitar, drummer Leigh Marlow (who was replaced by drummer Danny Plant), and bassist Richard Taylor make up the post-grunge group. The band developed its unique sound by combining the styles of many different groups, and was influenced by such ’80s and ’90s outfits as the Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, and U2. Automatic began as the Spinouts when Matt Fenton met up with Alex Jarvis as freshmen in high school in 1987. The two attended Queenscliff High School in Victoria, Australia. Their professional career initially included social school gatherings and beach parties. Along with members of Automatic, several other influences graduated with the two, including members of Magic Dirt and Seaweed Gorillas. With their pop/rock style, Automatic strove to move to Melbourne, where their sound would be more widely accepted. After seven years, the band settled on members Fenton, Jarvis, and Marlow, and Taylor. In 1994, the band made its first album, Automatic, which was released independently. The album led to much success for the band and produced a new group of listeners. With its punk rock sound, the group signed with the Murmur record label in 1995. Their first album there was Sister K. Under the guidance of producer Nick Launay, Automatic released their second album, Transmitter, in 1997. Launay produced such music legends as PiL, the Idiot Box soundtrack, Slits, and Silverchair and changed the sound of Automatic from pop/rock to a harder, louder sound, which paid off for the group. Transmitter includes such rock favorites as “Blown,” “Does She Kiss Like You?” “What If…,” and “Girl with a Million Minds.” According to the bandmembers, the success of Automatic relies heavily upon the diversity of their songs. The group performs everything from hard rock to dance music. ~ Kim Summers