> The Automatic

Template:Infobox Musical artist

The Automatic, (also known as The Automatic Automatic in the U.S. and Canada after the band were faced with legal action from another act under the name of Automatic[1]), are a Welsh based rock band. The three remaining original members James Frost, Robin Hawkins, and Iwan Griffiths are from Wales; new addition Paul Mullen (originally of Yourcodenameis:milo) is from Sunderland. The band originally formed in Cowbridge, but are currently based in a studio in Cardiff.[2] Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers are among the band's influences[3] The band released their debut album, Not Accepted Anywhere (2006) through B-Unique Records and Polydor Records, the album featured the prior to LP release single "Recover", "Raoul" and "Monster".[4] The band as of 1 March 2008 have finished their second album with new member Paul Mullen, after keyboardist Alex Pennie left in September 2007.[5] The band's sixth single Steve McQueen was released on 18 August 2008, followed by the release of the album, This Is a Fix, on 25 August 2008.

History

Band beginnings (1998–2005)

Image:Whiterabbittheautomatic.jpg The members first met at primary school, in the early nineties, and formed a band at the age of 13. Alex Pennie was asked to join five years later.[6][7] Originally known as White Rabbit, up until February 2005 when[8] they renamed themselves The Automatic because they believe that music is the antidote to "the automatic life".[9] After recording their two-track demo featuring rough versions of "Monster" and "Rats" in 2005[10] they signed a five-album record deal[11] with B-Unique Records in their gap year. They are managed by Martin Bowen.[12]

Not Accepted Anywhere (2006–2007)

Here is the complete setlist for Guitar Hero III, which will also include all downloadable content (when released).

Contents


Bold text indicates a master track, all other songs are covers.

Single Player Setlist

1. Starting Out Small

2. Your First Real Gig

3. Making The Video

4. European Invasion

5. Bighouse Blues

6. The Hottest Band On Earth

7. Live in Japan

8. Battle For Your Soul

Co-Op Setlist

1. Getting a Band Together

2. We Just Wanna Be Famous

3. Overnight Success

4. Getting the Band Back Together

5. Jailhouse Rock

6. Battle for Your Souls...

Bonus Tracks

Downloadable Content

Singles

Halo Theme MJOLNIR Mix - Released November 22, 2007 on XBL.

Ernten Was Wir Säen - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

So Payso - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

Antisocial - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2008 on PSN.

We Three Kings - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Dream On - Released Febuary 18, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

I am Murloc - Released June 26, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Track Packs

Companion Pack - Released October 31, 2007 on XBL.

Foo Fighters Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Velvet Revolver Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Boss Battle Pack - Released November 15, 2007 on XBL and November 29, 2007 on PSN.

Warner/Reprise Track Pack - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2007 on PSN.

Classic Rock Track Pack - Released January 24, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

No Doubt Track Pack - Released Febuary 28, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Modern Metal Track Pack - Released March 6, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Dropkick Murphys Track Pack - Released March 13, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Def Leppard Track Pack - Released April 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Guitar Virtuoso Pack - Released July 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

DragonForce Track Pack - Released August 21, 2008 on XBL & PSN

Image:The automatic pop awards 05.jpg After signing their record deal with B-Unique the band began the writing and recording of their first record, the first release from which came in the form of "Recover" which on 7 November 2005 saw its release along with b-side "Jack Daniels".[13] for the next 2 months the band were in studio, put under strain to write their record for a January deadline set by their record label, because of this the band believe the end result came out sounding quite similar.[14] Whilst début single "Recover" did not chart, it had still gained them publicity, NME put the band on their new music tour, also calling them "The sound of 2006",[15][16] the band quickly had further success, being awarded Best New Band in the Pop Factory Awards 2005.[17]

After touring with The Kooks in early 2006 the band began the release of second single "Raoul" which came on 27 March 2006, being the first chart eligible release, reaching a peak in the UK Singles Chart of #35, album track "On The Campaign Trail" was also released on the CD single, whilst "Trophy Wives" was released on the vinyl, the single received as a large amount of airplay on MTV Two amongst other channels, as well as further exposure.[18] the band went around the country between touring promoting the single and the forthcoming album with instore signings.[16]

On 27 April 2006 Not Accepted Anywhere was announced; the début 12 track long album, which would see release on B-Unique Records on 19 June 2006, with a new single "Monster", as well as further tour dates.[19] When the album then arrived it received fairly mixed reactions, many reviewers pointing out the high pitched backing screams from Alex Pennie, which whilst some pointed out it gives the band an identity and a level of individuality, whilst others just found it annoying Dom Gourlay of Drowned In Sound wrote "the unnecessary screeching of the keyboard player just a tad irritating - bordering on the side of wanting to commit homicide - at the best of times"[20] whilst NME wrote "screeching backing vocals, have made him sound like a new instrument all of its own" regarding the notorious vocalist. [21] The album however remained very popular as far as sales went, reaching number #3 in the UK Album Chart, and remaining in the chart for over half a year, new single "Monster" also proved to be a huge success, reaching #4 in the single chart, oddly the band were then accused of being a one hit wonder, despite "Monster" being their second top 40 hit, the band also said since its release that there was no pressure, nor was it an objective to come up with something as popular as "Monster". [22] The Raoul EP, a collection of b-sides and songs which didn't make the final album was released on 17 July 2006.[23]

Following the release of the album the band went on tour with Cat The Dog and Welsh friends Viva Machine, and played a 13 date tour across the United Kingdom, which also included their hugely publicised appearance on GMTV as well as a UK festival circuit, included Reading and Leeds festival, T4 on the Beach and T In The Park, all leading up to their fourth single a re-release of "Recover", which had been re-recorded for a larger release than its original limited release the year before. The single peaked at #32 in the UK after its release on 18 September 2006, surrounding this the band played various dates around Europe and Japan.[24][25]

We wrote a song, it did really well, I don't really see what there is to be upset about. You get labelled "one hit wonders", but that's more hits than most people have. And it's not like we've disappeared without a trace. We've got a second album coming out, which in my opinion is full of much better songs. We wouldn't have been in a position to fly to LA to make a record if it wasn't for 'Monster'."

Robin Hawkins[22] </blockquote> Image:Automaticlive.jpg Over Christmas 2006 the band wrote and recorded two new songs which would begin play next year on the NME Rock Tour 2007, these songs titled "Steve McQueen" and "Revolution" (now known as "Secret Police") would be accompanied by a cover of Life During Wartime by Talking Heads, as well as the fifth and final single from Not Accepted Anywhere, another re-release, despite many fans wanting another album track to be used, "Raoul" was chosen by the band's record label, with the band saying they were not into the idea of releasing Raoul again.[26][27] the single charted slightly higher than previously (originally at #36) instead the single charted at #32 in the UK single chart.[28][29] After extensive UK touring the band released Not Accepted Anywhere in the United States and Canada in June. This preceded their attendance at the Warped Tour, 2007 and was opened with their first U.S. single, "Monster" which was released on 14 May 2007.[30] after the Warped Tour and release of the album embarked on their first USA Tour, before returning to the United Kingdom for their final show of the Not Accepted Anywhere era, Get Load In The Park.[31][32]

Departure of Alex Pennie

On 18 September 2007 it was announced by The Automatic that Alex Pennie had left The Automatic. Alex performed for the final time with band mates at Get Loaded In The Park 2007, however had been active for some time with the band assisting with the writing process of their second album, This Is A Fix.[33][34] It was announced through the band's website and through the band's MySpace that Pennie had been finding playing with his band mates "increasingly unenjoyable" and that he had been growing apart from them.[35][36][37]

In November NME reported that the band have had no direct contact with Pennie since the split, which also took place earlier than the official split according to his former band mates. Hawkins has exchanged MySpace messages with Pennie however, reporting that he is doing ok, and that he now has a new punk band.[38] Alex Pennie has more recently stated that he is returning to the UK to start work on "a new project".[39] This was later announced by Pennie through his myspace profile to be Decimals, in which he performs lead vocals.

Robin Hawkins commented on the situation of Pennie's departure in an interview with Xfm in August 2008 stating; Template:Cquotetxt

I'm much more excited about the second record, its shaping up to be quite dark and sinister and my vocals are getting better as well.<p style="text-align: right;"> — Alex Pennie[40]

This Is A Fix (2007–present)

Here is the complete setlist for Guitar Hero III, which will also include all downloadable content (when released).


Bold text indicates a master track, all other songs are covers.

Single Player Setlist

1. Starting Out Small

2. Your First Real Gig

3. Making The Video

4. European Invasion

5. Bighouse Blues

6. The Hottest Band On Earth

7. Live in Japan

8. Battle For Your Soul

Co-Op Setlist

1. Getting a Band Together

2. We Just Wanna Be Famous

3. Overnight Success

4. Getting the Band Back Together

5. Jailhouse Rock

6. Battle for Your Souls...

Bonus Tracks

Downloadable Content

Singles

Halo Theme MJOLNIR Mix - Released November 22, 2007 on XBL.

Ernten Was Wir Säen - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

So Payso - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

Antisocial - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2008 on PSN.

We Three Kings - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Dream On - Released Febuary 18, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

I am Murloc - Released June 26, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Track Packs

Companion Pack - Released October 31, 2007 on XBL.

Foo Fighters Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Velvet Revolver Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Boss Battle Pack - Released November 15, 2007 on XBL and November 29, 2007 on PSN.

Warner/Reprise Track Pack - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2007 on PSN.

Classic Rock Track Pack - Released January 24, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

No Doubt Track Pack - Released Febuary 28, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Modern Metal Track Pack - Released March 6, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Dropkick Murphys Track Pack - Released March 13, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Def Leppard Track Pack - Released April 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Guitar Virtuoso Pack - Released July 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

DragonForce Track Pack - Released August 21, 2008 on XBL & PSN

After the departure of Alex Pennie the band was quick to make a new recruitment, Paul Mullen of Yourcodenameis:Milo was brought in after his band went on hiatus, taking on the position of guitarist, vocalist and synth player, so he would not be a direct replacement for Alex Pennie. The band had already been at work before Pennie's departure and had around 10 songs already done,[41] two of which were "Steve McQueen" and "Secret Police", which both had been performed throughout 2007 on various tours.[42][43][44][45][46][47][48] Image:DSC02607.JPG After working doing a lot of work in Cardiff in their studio, the band flew out to Los Angeles, California were they began working with Don Gilmore, who has worked with the likes of Linkin Park and Dashboard Confessional, however were not happy with the results, thus switched to working with Butch Walker (Fall Out Boy, The All American Rejects, Simple Plan) where they worked for some time, until having to return to the United Kingdom where they finished up much of the record back in Cardiff working with Rich Jackson, who worked with the band on Not Accepted Anywhere.[49][50]

After the recording process was complete, in March, the band began a club tour, playing at smaller venues to "get up close" with the fans, supported by friends Viva Machine with the likes of Canterbury and Attack Attack also performing at select dates.[51] The band's first single from This Is a Fix was soon announced, "Steve McQueen", first played on the NME 2007 Tour, would arrive on 18 August 2008, a further number of tour dates were also announced for August and September, the band were also announced to be play at Reading and Leeds Festivals, as well as performing at the UK release of the Rock Back video game, Glastonbury, and a number of other festivals and gigs around Europe.[52][53]

Single "Steve McQueen" was premièred on the Zane Lowe show on BBC Radio 1 on 7 July 2008, the following day NME.com broadcast the music video for the first time,[54] following this track "This Is A Fix" was released as a free gift on 30 July 2008 via download.[55] On 18 August, the release day of Steve McQueen, the entire album became available on the band's myspace page, the band also days later performed an all new cover, "Love in This Club" by "Usher" on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

The band will be releasing their second single from "This Is A Fix" in January 2009, which has been confirmed to be "Magazines", after a University tour of the UK, on which the band will be showcasing several new songs which they have been working on, as to whether these songs are from a new extended release or purely b-sides remains unclear. The single was confirmed at The Asylum in Birmingham at the band's last gig of 2008.[56] The Automatic along with Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly., Frank Turner and My Vitriol were announced in early 2009 to be part of the final show at the London Astoria on Wednesday 14 January, a charity show for Love Music Hate Racism and Jail Guitar Doors.[57]

Image:Theviewmummraautomatichorrors.jpg

Other appearances

Image:IMG 1159.jpg Here is the complete setlist for Guitar Hero III, which will also include all downloadable content (when released).


Bold text indicates a master track, all other songs are covers.

Single Player Setlist

1. Starting Out Small

2. Your First Real Gig

3. Making The Video

4. European Invasion

5. Bighouse Blues

6. The Hottest Band On Earth

7. Live in Japan

8. Battle For Your Soul

Co-Op Setlist

1. Getting a Band Together

2. We Just Wanna Be Famous

3. Overnight Success

4. Getting the Band Back Together

5. Jailhouse Rock

6. Battle for Your Souls...

Bonus Tracks

Downloadable Content

Singles

Halo Theme MJOLNIR Mix - Released November 22, 2007 on XBL.

Ernten Was Wir Säen - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

So Payso - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

Antisocial - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2008 on PSN.

We Three Kings - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Dream On - Released Febuary 18, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

I am Murloc - Released June 26, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Track Packs

Companion Pack - Released October 31, 2007 on XBL.

Foo Fighters Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Velvet Revolver Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Boss Battle Pack - Released November 15, 2007 on XBL and November 29, 2007 on PSN.

Warner/Reprise Track Pack - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2007 on PSN.

Classic Rock Track Pack - Released January 24, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

No Doubt Track Pack - Released Febuary 28, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Modern Metal Track Pack - Released March 6, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Dropkick Murphys Track Pack - Released March 13, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Def Leppard Track Pack - Released April 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Guitar Virtuoso Pack - Released July 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

DragonForce Track Pack - Released August 21, 2008 on XBL & PSN

The band are well known for their performances of "Gold Digger", which on numerous occasions they have been joined by various guests when performing the cover, including Newton Faulkner on the Warped Tour, and Goldie Lookin Chain at the Reading Festival.[58][59][60][61]The band as well as covering this have taken to covering Talking Heads' classic, Life During Wartime.[62] the band also used to occasionally cover At the Drive-In's song "Arc Arsenal"[63][64], on tours and performances in 2008, with the addition of Paul Mullen the band have been performing a 50/50 split of material, including "Monster", "Raoul", "On The Campaign Trail", "Lost At Home", "That's What She Said" and "By My Side" and "Recover" from Not Accepted Anywhere and various songs from This Is A Fix, no other songs from Not Accepted Anywhere have been performed as of yet since Mullen joined, however "Jack Daniels" from Raoul EP has been promised for autumn tours by the band, Usher cover "Love In This Club" which the band performed at radio 1 live lounge, as well as "Epic" by Faith No More have also been mentioned for further performances in 2008. Some of The Automatic's most notable touring appearances include Reading Festival 2006 and 2008, NME Awards Indie Rock Tour 2007, as well as appearances at Glastonbury Festival[65] and Warped Tour 2007.

The GMTV Incident

On 21 July 2006 some time after the band's chart success with "Monster", they were asked at the last minute to perform the song on GMTV at around 9am. The night before the band had been drinking after their gig at Carling Academy Bristol on their tour with Cat the Dog and Viva Machine and "decided to stay up all night after the gig" drinking more and more, unhappy with the prospect of having to mime on the morning show.[66][67] Former keyboardist Alex Pennie explained; "Frost (James, guitarist) was pretty drunk when we started 'Monster', and I'm easily led. Before we knew it I was standing in my boxer shorts in the GMTV garden and Frost had trashed all the equipment".[68] Guitarist James Frost had smashed his rented guitar, as well as throwing himself into the drum kit, whilst Pennie waved his Alesis Micron around. Iwan and Rob had continued to mime. During the incident a cameraman allegedly received a glancing injury from guitarist James Frost and threatened the band with legal action. This matter was later resolved. The band have stated that they doubt they will ever be asked back, although they have 'not been banned' by GMTV.[69]

Relationship with other artists

Image:The Automatic Jizz Iwan Dai.jpg The September 2008 issue of Rock Sound magazine pointed out that the band don't have many fans among their peers, the band blamed their hit single "Monster" and its success, they also pointed out how they have got were they are on their own and not relying on other bands to help them out, however they have made friends along the way.

I think that most bands don't like us, I think bands look at us and go 'Nah'.<p style="text-align: right;"> — James Frost[40]

The band have made their fair share of criticisms on other, in 2006 the band slated Sandi Thom for mixing with the wrong scene, Frost saying; "If she was a punk rocker with flowers in her hair she'd get the s*** kicked out of her by other punk rockers, for having flowers in her hair."[70] the band also had a short feud with The Horrors, Throughout the build up to the NME Indie Rock Tour 2007 there was growing tension between the band and The Horrors, the problem started after in an interview with NME guitarist James Frost was questioned about The Horrors, saying they were "crap", over-hyped and who just have "big hair"[71]. The Horrors responded to this in an interview saying "there are probably people who don't get our music. I'm sure they'll be much happier flogging their dead horse." The bassist then responded by saying “They’re raping a dead pig.” In an interview with Gigwise.com Frost continued the feud by stating "I think that they come from the sort of art-school background and they’re just trying to be as cool as possible. We don’t really care to be honest, if you don’t like us don’t bother with us."[72][73] The dispute was supposedly settled during the NME Tour over a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'.[74]

[The Automatic were at the receiving end of criticism when Kasabian lashed out at The Automatic as well as Bloc Party and Pete Doherty, branding them as "horrible".[75]

Other incidents include during the 2007 NME Indie Rock Tour Alex Pennie had a incident with a stage invader, who managed to get on stage, lighting a cigarette, and sat on one of the stack amps, this lead to Pennie jumping up and wrestling the invader to the ground where the scrap was broken up by bassist Rob Hawkins.[76] Image:Alexandfarisatnme.jpg

The band stated they have few friends in big name acts, Viva Machine, being one of the bands good friends, the bands having toured with each other on numerous occasions, Irish band Ash, one of The Automatic's main influences have also shown to have a good relationship, at Cardiff Big Weekend 2008 Ash dedicated their single "Oh Yeah" to The Automatic, who had played earlier in the day.[77]

Throughout 2005 and 2006 tours the band had been requesting shrines for David Hasselhoff at the venues they perform at.[78] The band have said they respect the actor and musician and would in-fact at some point like to work with him.

In 2006 the band aided Hasselhoff's chart success by purchasing all copies of his single "Jump in My Car" in Bristol Virgin Megastore; drummer Iwan Giffiths then justified their actions by saying the band were Hasselhoff fans and that they would love the opportunity to work with him at some point.[79]The band have been featured a number of times in parts of various Hasselhoff websites.[80]

TV, Internet and radio appearances

In 2006 they became the first band to make an return performance on The Friday Night Project.[81][82] On 18 March 2006 the band appeared on Channel 4's The Album Chart Show with Placebo and The Kooks.[83] Image:T4onthebeachpennieandfrost.jpg The band were featured in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge where they first performed their cover of Kayne West's "Gold Digger" which was later released on the compilation CD Radio 1's Live Lounge as well as being re-recorded and added as a b-side to the 2007 re-release of "Raoul".[84][85]

On 18 June 2006 the band played T4 on the Beach, similarly to their GMTV performance they were forced to mime, again leading to the band playing whilst drunk, however this time not as much destruction was caused by the band mates. [86][87][88]

In June 2006 the band appeared twice on "Transmission"[89][90] Prior to the album release, the band appeared on Top Of The Pop's where they performed "Monster".[91]

On four separate occasions the band have appeared on the T4 show Popworld. After the broadcasting in an interview the band stated that if The Kooks and Razorlight got into a fight then they would support The Kooks, saying that Johnny Borrell has a lot of people who already dislike him. This came after their appearance on Top of the Pops, as were The Kooks, and ironically Lostprophets, which they felt was awkward considering Fearne Cotton had previously been dating Luke Pritchard and Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins, during the interview with Popworld Iwan made jokes of how Fearne was giving Frost the "eye".[92][93]

In September 2006 the members made an appearance along with Manic Street Preachers in Sky Sports show Soccer AM, their track "Raoul" was also soon featured on the show's soundtrack to the year.[94] On 16 November 2006, Alex Pennie appeared as a guest on panel show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks along with Amy Winehouse.[95]

On 9 January 2007, Robin Hawkins and Alex Pennie stood in on the Zane Lowe show on BBC Radio 1, hosting a two hour show, with tracks from Frank Turner and Viva Machine, The View, and several other artists.[96]

During the band's stay in the USA and Canada they appeared on several Fuse TV including The Vinnie Langdon Show. [97] Months later after the departure of Alex Pennie the band were briefly featured with for the first time with Paul Mullen, attending the 2007 Pop Factory Awards which was Broadcast on ITV Wales.

Singles "Steve McQueen" and a new revamped version of "Monster" were broadcast on Channel 4s T4 on the Beach 2008 after Cage The Elephant dropped out last minute due to a injury in band, the videos were also made available on YouTube.[98] The band are said to be featured in online television show The Secret World Of Sam King which began broadcasting from 6 August 2008 and will feature other names such as Sugababes and Sam Sparro.[99]

Activism & Charity work

The band have been seen supporting the Bollocks to Poverty campaign, giving the advice "My tip is to do it with your friends. Get all your mates together and put on a gig in a youth club. Have fun. Try and be self-critical. Get a buzz going, put up lots of posters".[100]

Taking time out during the band's tour in the USA, the group signed a Gibson SG decorated by artist Andrew Hewkin, the guitar was later auctioned for charities including The Prince's Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.[101]

Most recently the band have been involved in charity work for The Samaritans, through a Six A Side football game, with such bands as Babyshambles, McFly, The Wombats and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.[102][103]

The band performed as a headlining act on the Rock Against Racism stage at Glastonbury Festival 2008, months later the band also donated money raised from a gig at Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre to Help a South Wales Child.[104] Image:Alexpenniekeyboards.jpg

Musical style

The band are often described as electro-disco-punk rock,[105] and at one point Glam rock, which former keyboardist Alex Pennie blamed NME for.[106] The band cite their influences such as Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers,[107] and a joint love for bands such as Radiohead and Ash,[108] the band also despite not ever touring with Ash have been seen together and have a good relationship, at Cardiff Big Weekend 2008 Ash dedicated their single "Oh Yeah" to The Automatic, who had played earlier in the day.[77] Not Accepted Anywhere was said to have elements of pop, punk, emo, techno and electro[109]During their live performances the band are usually extremely energetic on stage performances, the constant microphone swinging during their Not Accepted Anywhere era from former keyboardist Alex Pennie, as well as regular crowd surfing from guitarist James Frost were part of the usual stage antics, Pennie could also often be seen climbing on stacks of amps and whatever else was available.[110]

Many of the band's lyrics are taken from the drill of day-to-day lives and the direction you take ("That's What She Said", "Raoul", "Light Entertainment", "Time=Money", "By My Side") and the lives of the people in the band ("Seriously... I Hate You Guys", "Team Drama") other lyrics and song themes include alcohol and drug abuse ("Monster", "Recover", "Responsible Citizen") relationships and love lives ("Lost At Home", "This Ship") music chart followers ("You Shout You Shout You Shout You Shout") the climate ("High Tide on Caroline Street")[111][112][113][114][115]

The band instrumentally use various synthesizers to produce many of their sounds, during the recording and touring with the album Not Accepted Anywhere the band's former member Alex Pennie used an Alesis Micron and an Alesis Andromeda during live performances, and in addition to this in studio he used an Roland Juno-106. More recently since Pennie's departure new addition Paul Mullen uses an microKORG whilst James Frost continues to use an Alesis Micron, although fewer of the songs on This Is A Fix use synthesizer as a predominant instrument. The band use Sennheiser microphones, 'e 945s' for vocals, 'e 906s' for the guitar cabinets and snare drum, the 'e 604s' for toms, and an 'e 901' on the kick drum.[116]

Band members

Template:Wide image During live shows from 2006 to 2007 the band could be seen accompanied by Jamie Allen during their cover of Kayne Wests "Gold Digger" where Alex Pennie would take role of lead singer whilst Rob plays flute, Jamie has now taken on the role of bassist for Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, The Horrors guitar technician is now replacing him. During 2008 shows, the band's song "This Is A Fix" see Robin Hawkins playing synthesizer, thus requiring a bassist to fill in, Tom Stephens of Viva Machine was seen doing this in the 2008 Club Tour and at various other gigs including Glastonbury Festival 08. Photographer Peter Hill can be seen at most live shows taking photos, filming, as well as occasionally tour managing the band. Most recently and since his first appearance at the Rock Oz'Arenes music festival in Switzerland in August 2008, Peter has been playing bass guitar for the band during the title track of their new album This Is A Fix. James "Jizz" Lawrenson is the band's sound engineer and he too has toured extensively with the band,[116], with Stan Saunders being the band's monitor engineer. The band are managed by Martin Bowen, with Mike Doyle managing many of the band's tours.[117] After the departure of Alex Pennie, the remaining band members were joined by Yourcodenameis:Milo front-man Paul Mullen, and whilst he was going to be taking over part of the synthesizer duties he would not be a direct replacement for Pennie, in-fact Mullen would be acting as a guitarist/vocalist mainly, continuing the band's three part vocals from previous material.[5][118]

Current lineup

Former members

Awards

List of The Automatic awards
Award Wins Nominations
Kerrang! Awards
Template:Award-won Template:Award-nom
Vodafone Music Awards
Template:Award-won Template:Award-nom
T4 Music Awards
Template:Award-won Template:Award-nom
The Pop Factory Awards
Template:Award-won Template:Award-nom
Totals
Template:Award-won colspan="2" width=50 Template:Award-won
Template:Award-nom colspan="2" width=50 Template:Award-nom
Year Nominated work Award Result
2005 Best New Act The Pop Factory Template:Award-won
2006 Best Performance The Pop Factory[119] Template:Award-won
2006 Best British Newcomer Kerrang! Awards[120] Template:Award-nom
2006 Rock 'n' Roll Excess The Pop Factory Template:Award-won
2006 Best British Breakthrough Act Vodafone Music Awards[121] Template:Award-won
2006 Artist of the Year T4 Popworld[122] Template:Award-won
2007 Best Band The Pop Factory Awards[123] Template:Award-nom
2007 Best International Band/Export The Pop Factory Awards[124] Template:Award-won

Discography

Here is the complete setlist for Guitar Hero III, which will also include all downloadable content (when released).


Bold text indicates a master track, all other songs are covers.

Single Player Setlist

1. Starting Out Small

2. Your First Real Gig

3. Making The Video

4. European Invasion

5. Bighouse Blues

6. The Hottest Band On Earth

7. Live in Japan

8. Battle For Your Soul

Co-Op Setlist

1. Getting a Band Together

2. We Just Wanna Be Famous

3. Overnight Success

4. Getting the Band Back Together

5. Jailhouse Rock

6. Battle for Your Souls...

Bonus Tracks

Downloadable Content

Singles

Halo Theme MJOLNIR Mix - Released November 22, 2007 on XBL.

Ernten Was Wir Säen - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

So Payso - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & January 3, 2008 on PSN.

Antisocial - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2008 on PSN.

We Three Kings - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Dream On - Released Febuary 18, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

I am Murloc - Released June 26, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Track Packs

Companion Pack - Released October 31, 2007 on XBL.

Foo Fighters Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Velvet Revolver Pack - Released November 8, 2007 on XBL & PSN.

Boss Battle Pack - Released November 15, 2007 on XBL and November 29, 2007 on PSN.

Warner/Reprise Track Pack - Released December 20, 2007 on XBL and January 3, 2007 on PSN.

Classic Rock Track Pack - Released January 24, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

No Doubt Track Pack - Released Febuary 28, 2008 on XBL and PSN.

Modern Metal Track Pack - Released March 6, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Dropkick Murphys Track Pack - Released March 13, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Def Leppard Track Pack - Released April 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

Guitar Virtuoso Pack - Released July 24, 2008 on XBL & PSN.

DragonForce Track Pack - Released August 21, 2008 on XBL & PSN

Albums

References

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External links

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