Review: Don Broco- Automatic

Don Broco are a rock band from Bedford, England. They formed in 2008 and consist of Rob Damiani (lead vocals), Simon Delaney (guitar), Tom Doyle (bass) and Matt Donnelly (drums/vocals). Their sound can be described as pop rock or post hardcore.

The band met at school but didn't properly form until after university. They then went though a couple of name changes before going out on tour and playing some festival slots. 'Automatic' is the bands second album after 2012's 'Priorities' which did reasonably well for itself.

The album opens with 'Superlove', this track has good parts to it, such as the chord progressions and the well executed vocals. I think that the overall sound of it is quite generic though and similar to many other tracks in the genre. The second song, and title track of the album, 'Automatic' is better than the previous track as it varies more between tempos before going into the chorus. This track is also more powerful both vocally and musically.

The next track, 'What You Do to Me', is of a similar standard to the previous. I like the way they strip it back to just an acoustic guitar at some points before building back up again. The topic of the song isn't very groundbreaking however. 'Fire', doesn't really do what it say's in the title. This track doesn't offer any more fire to this album, it has quite a repetitive chorus which I can't help but find quite annoying.

'Nerve' is my favorite track from the album, I really like the rhythm and how invigorating the chorus is. The chorus kind of surprises you in a good way and the track is also well put together lyrically. This is possibly the only track from the album that I would listen to again. From this point on the album begins to sound pretty samey with particularly low points being 'I Got Sick' and 'Tough On You'. These tracks are both very uninventive musically and lyrically.

Overall I believe that this is quite an unimaginative album from Don Broco. There are some good points including vocals that work well and well worked song structures, however the negatives outweigh the positives. The tracks are often very catchy, but you feel yourself just wanting them to take it to the next level, which only really happens on 'Nerve'.

Highs:
What You Do to Me
Nerve

Lows:
I Got Sick
Tough On You

Rating: 5.1/10