Autodrone: Strike a Match (Clairecords)
release: November 11, 2008
style: noise pop rock, dream pop
similar: A Place to Bury Strangers, Experimental Aircraft, Swoon 23
[rating: **1/2] Crashing into the noisier, darker side of the dream pop spectrum is Autodrone, who finally gets proper release of its first full-length. The female vocals, which aren't buried in the mix like one might think, are balanced against the brooding guitar tricks of Jeremy Alisauskas, who has credit with Projekt artist Unto Ashes. The band sets the sun on fire with effects and white noise while also embracing its passive side, even bordering on a melodic jangle. Through most of the album, however, Strike a Match can feel like noise for noise's sake. -Kenyon

www.myspace.com/autodrone