No.86 - ‘Make A Sound’ by Autopilot Off (2004)

“I was judge, jury and witness in one; I put myself on trial for the things I had done; Forced to stare and look at now what I had become; Cold and unforgiving like the face of a gun…”

Inside my Slick Shoes CD case was a record label catalogue. Turns out that Slick Shoes had recorded a split EP with a band called Autopilot Off. “Huh…” my mind thought, and then promptly forgot the name until sixteen years later. Although no Slick Shoes albums make it onto this list, ‘Make A Sound’ comes in at 86.

I haven’t got loads to say, other than its a really solid punk rock album. A more mature punk rock than the likes of Blink 182 etc; Focusing more on minor keys, and more intellectual in lyrical content. Very catchy ‘Offspringesque’ melodies (and I’m not talking about the comedy parmesan they so often released).

I’m not a big fan of “whiney” punk rock singers and Chris Hughes’ vocal tone is great. Once again they use more interesting chords and play an upbeat tempo style of Punk Rock that works so well. The harmonies are also very effective, even when just sang in the octave below the lead. I was very glad to rediscover this band after all those years, and glad to have given this album the attention that it deserves.

Autopilot Off formed in 1996, under the name Cooter. Their debut album was released under this name, and also the aforementioned split EP with Slick Shoes (which later had the name changed in the artwork). The name change was due to copyright issues. ‘Make A Sound’ reached 119 in the US Billboard 200 and has not been released on vinyl.

Favourite songs -  Blind Truth, Blessed By A Nightmare, I Know You’re Waiting





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