| The alternative rock band Automatic was once known as the Spinouts. Bassist Matt Fenton, Alex Jarvis plays the guitar, drummer Leigh Marlow, who was replaced by drummer Danny Plant, and bassist Richard Taylor make up the post-grunge group. The band developed their unique sound by combining the styles of many different bands. The group was influenced by such 80s and 90s bands as the Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins and U2.
Automatic began as the band 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 included social school gatherings and beach parties in the beginning. Along with members of Automatic, several other influences graduated with the group including members of Magic Dirt and Seaweed Gorillas. With a pop-rock style, Automatic strived to move their band to Melbourne, Australia where their sound would be more widely accepted. After seven years the band settled on members Matt Fenton, Alex Jarvis, Leigh Marlow, who was eventually replaced by Danny Plant, and Richard Taylor.
In 1994 the band made their first album, Automatic, which they released independently. The album produced much success for the band and produced a new group of listeners. With their punk-rock sound of music the group signed with the Murmur record label in 1995. Their first album with the Murmur label was Sister K.
Under the guides of producer Nick Launay, Automatic released their second album Transmitter in 1997. Nick Launay produced such music legends as PiL, the Idiot Box soundtrack, Slits and Silverchair and changed the sound of Automatic. The group's sound changed from pop rock top a harder, louder sound and paid off for the group. The album includes such rock favorites as "Blown," "Does She Kiss Like You?" "What If..." and "Girl With A Million Minds." According to band members, the success of Automatic relies heavily upon the diversity of their songs. The group performs everything from hard rock to dance music.
Automatic took their sound from many different influences. The combination of all these sounds resulted in many favorite songs and albums that have made it on the music charts. The songs and sounds of Sister K and Transmitter have made Automatic an international success with loyal fans from Australia. With a determination to succeed, Matt Fenton and Alex Jarvis have turned a high school dream band into a 90s rock favorite. Automatic sound changes with the music scene which adds to the band's success. With tours worldwide, Automatic only adds to their notoriety. ~ Kim Summers, All Music Guide |
