Critic's Choice

The Automaton Adventure Series, with Fast Action Revolver, Friday, May 26, at the 15th Street Tavern, is another Northwestern outfit that makes you wonder if the same daylong misting that cultivates mushrooms, moss and lush scenery in that region also breeds some of todays more compelling bands. Combining the postmodern...

By Mike Engstrom

May 25, 2000

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The Automaton Adventure Series, with Fast Action Revolver, Friday, May 26, at the 15th Street Tavern, is another Northwestern outfit that makes you wonder if the same daylong misting that cultivates mushrooms, moss and lush scenery in that region also breeds some of todays more compelling bands. Combining the postmodern ambience of found audio -- fractured conversations, droning sound bites -- the Seattle trio pieces together a loosely structured math-rock style thats not too caught up in its own devices. The guitar work sometimes resembles the noise coming from our nations capital, but the relaxed feel offers melodic texture rather than the stuffiness of D.C. post-punk. The drums and bass move at a breathable pace beneath organic hooks, then cauterize expectations with surprise cacophonous assaults. In a live setting, the Automaton Adventure Series appeases the eyes by using 16mm film for an enhanced atmosphere. Maybe the Olympia Brewing Company is right: It is in the water.

Mike Engstrom

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