The Lumineers, a well-known folk band famous for “Ophelia,” released their fifth studio album, “Automatic,” on Feb. 14. Despite being released on Valentine’s Day, there are no sappy love songs on this album, instead focusing on the band’s signature folk softness to prove an unfiltered musical experience for all ages to enjoy.
Taking inspiration from The Beatles’ “Get Back” one-season documentary and Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska” album, The Lumineers made a creative set of songs for the “Automatic” album that takes the listener through spontaneous and immediate changes in the music with an intimate connection that keeps one listening throughout the project.
Wesley Shultz’s, lead vocalist and guitarist for the Lumineers, voice fit well with the song choices as he put his soul into every song that included lyrics. Shultz, along with the other band members, used instrumentation to highlight the creativity of music with a haunting, yet comforting feeling by including two songs that were fully instrumental.
The whole album reflects the impact of technology on society and some past experiences from the band member’s personal life. Songs like “Better Day” and “Plasticine” have more humorous tones, while the song “[sic]” is a recollection of first impressions from people, showing that the band can cover broader topics but also focus on making a song over small inconveniences. The closing track, “So Long,” has a hypnotic feeling with a mid-tempo beat while also being recorded live, making for an energetic recording.
Some point out that the album brings back The Lumineers old charm that they once had, replicating well-known songs such as “Ho Hey,” ”Stubborn Love” and “Sleep on the Floor.” It can noticed that the maturity in the songwriting has not grown since The Lumineers started releasing music as a band. Regardless, with the 11 total songs that were released with the album, they created an authentic way of storytelling through music.
Starting in July, The Lumineers will be touring throughout North America. Beginning in New York, they will stop at almost every state until mid-Oct. The “Automatic World Tour” will also take place in 15 other countries with over 68 total concerts. Whether someone listens to them every day or listening to them once a song comes on the radio, The Lumineers always have something worth listening to. From their reflections within the song topics and their impressions that last with the listeners, they will continue to grow and release music.
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