Head Automatica began as a fairly unlikely collaboration between vocalist Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw), and super producer Dan the Automater (Deltron, Gorillaz, Handsome Boy Modeling School). The result was Decadence, a trashy electronic-disco-punk extravaganza that brilliantly showcased Automater’s class beats with Daryl’s penchant for rock and punk.
The two put together a road band and toured the record, playing with everyone from Thrice to Interpol, however the tour was cut short due to Daryl’s ongoing battle with Chron’s disease, which he’s suffered from since childhood. Even though he was in and out of the hospital the “road” band, (now an official group as opposed to just a one-off side project) began work on their sophomore effort, Popaganda, enlisting Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, All-American Rejects) to produce.
With that, HA moved towards what they called, a “bright, and crisp sound.” Popaganda proved to be fitting title, seeing that it lacks the electronics of Decadence, instead boasting a more straightforward guitar sound, mainly influenced by late ’70s/early 80’s pop rock, a la Elvis Costello and the Attractions and the Squeeze. Although the sound swayed in a different direction, it’s still a HA record, fulfilled by Daryl’s knack for playfully catchy hooks that are still in tact, and with a cart of songs that still make you want to boogie.
