automatic 7
At Funeral Speed 

“What the Critics Are Saying....”

“After a hiatus of approximately forever, Automatic 7 is back, and it's grown up. A lot. Although you'll still find traces of the act's cardinal influences on At Funeral Speed -- The Clash and Face to Face -- the band's settled into its sound. Automatic 7 slides ever closer to straight-up rock'n'roll on At Funeral Speed. That's not to say the band's forgotten its past: Dig deeper into this album, and it's clear the trio found a balance between its punk ideals and a mature, functioning lifestyle. Through it all, Automatic 7 has little need to prove its worth to the punk underground. At Funeral Speed simply does its thing, and that's craft melodic, mid-tempo punk rock that's the bastard child of London Calling and the So-Cal scene of a decade ago. It's confident, but not overly forceful. It's energetic without dipping into mania. It's informed by punk traditions without being fettered to them. It's the sort of album every punk over the age of 30 should be making (we're talking to you, Bad Religion, Pennywise, NOFX and Lagwagon) Welcome back, Automatic 7.  -  Matt Schild, Aversion.com

 “Automatic 7 is back with At Funeral Speed, their first release in seven years. To say it's a strong comeback would be a gross understatement. In an industry becoming increasingly more obsessed with strong singles and watered down supporting tracks, Automatic 7 have produced a collection of songs that instantly sounds timeless. Their songwriting is reflective and honest, with a definitive post-punk straightforward rock and roll sound. Even the sequencing of the tracks lends itself to an awesome listener experience from start to finish. The band have also included a highly energetic and imaginative reworking of Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City”. I urge you to seek it out when the album drops on Nov. 13th.– Jason Evangelho, Insomnia Radio

“Thank god the spirit of punk rock is still alive in Automatic 7.... this dirty rock n’ punk trio make their long awaited return with their latest slab of punk excellence, At Funeral Speed. It’s the grittiest, most heartfelt American punk rock record I’ve heard in a long time and it’s beaten, downcast atmosphere is a welcome change from all the glam posturing, easy sell, big buy bullshit I’m sorry to say I’ve been caught up in as of late. Having purchased my copy of At Funeral Speed and replenished my lost A7 back catalog at the same time, I’m hoping to slowly rediscover a musical reconnection. But I can only absolve my sins one record at a time…. Listen to new songs, old songs, and those in between after the jump.” – Billy, SoundtheSirens.com

“Automatic 7 is back in top form. The vocals sound a little grittier here than on “A Beggar's Life”, but the top-notch songwriting, riffy rockitude, and catchy bits are all there. The band is older and actually wiser. Lyrics are both introspective and retrospective, and delivered in their melodic, catchy style that thankfully avoids easy dips into emo. This isn't a "fun" punk album, but it is a good one. Heartfelt and genuine, but it's an easy pill to swallow. Bottom Line: Mature melodic punk for Social D. fans. Notable Tracks: All the Happiness You Can Buy, As I Am & Sunday Eyes. 4 Stars.” - Adam Coozer, Read Junk.com

“Automatic 7 are from Southern California and I could have told you that without looking at their address. There’s something in the DNA of the band and the echo of Mike Ness in the singer that invisibly telegraph it. Yet these guys don’t rely as heavily, as a lot of their neighbors tend to, on old Social Distortion clichés. They switch up the tempos and go places Social D. don’t venture. I can appreciate this.” – Steveo, Razorcake Magazine

“Automatic 7 reminds of Social D. A lot. Except that these three guys are more bluesy. And a hell of a lot more rock and roll, too.Early Social D. was louder and more ragged. The major label stuff was more crafted. Automatic 7 relies on heavy-duty riffage much more. These riffs are blistered at full volume and with plenty of energy, to boot.The best of both worlds, I suppose. And I also suppose that Automatic 7 would like me to write this review without all the references to another band; but the truth is that anyone over the age of 35 will say, "Wow, Social Distortion hasn't sounded this good in ages."Which is why I like this so much, I guess....but no matter where these songs come from, they're loud, tuneful and lots of fun. Turn up, tune out and let the rest of the world keep spinning. – Aiding & Abetting.com