AUTOMATIC (1983), heruitgave (E)

Jack Bruce is one of the most renowned bass players from the United Kingdom. He's famous for his work with Cream, his solo projects and numerous collaborations with top-notch musicians. He's still making records and doing live performances. His remarkable voice is recognized instantly. Originally he played cello, amongst others, but he developed into a multi-instrumentalist although his bass playing remains his trademark. The album Automatic was originally released as an LP in Germany (1983) and later on in the UK (1987). It is the first time that Bruce experiments with the Fairlight-synthesizer and other electronics. As normally in those days, the playing time is well below forty minutes and because Automatic is considered to be an experiment by Bruce, who was looking for new challenges at the time, this album should not be compared to his other efforts. The studio where he worked with Robin Trower (ex-Procol Harum) bought a Fairlight and Bruce was eager to explore his boundaries. Fascinated by the power of the electronics, he decided to make a contemporary album doing everything himself. Whilst controlling real drum sounds by playing a keyboard, he played all keyboards, basses and harmonica. Together with his distinctive vocals, the result was astonishing. The album is stylistically in the vein of eighties synthipop, but Bruce gives the music his own characteristic twist.

The first track Make Love (part II) is a nice pop tune with a bit of a reggae rhythm beautifully and sensually sung by Bruce. It reminded me a little bit of the Abba sound with lots of piano and multiple vocal layers. Uptown Breakdown is a lovely track with keyboards used as the brass section. It has a slight fusion feel as well and a short solo by a clarinet-sample. Travelling Child contains a catchy chorus; it's rather slow and almost a ballad. Another slow track, this time a real ballad, is New World featuring electronic wizardry as the orchestra. E. Boogie starts with drums and a bass loop and sung with a slightly distorted voice and lots of effects, this track comes close to contemporary acts like Depeche Mode, Paris France Transit or Space. Also a tear breaking song is Green & Blue, featuring drums, bass and organ. The more up-tempo parts contain a different style, using piano and background vocals. The music suddenly sounds as a hit record from way back. Swarm mainly consists of one short theme changing half a tone, the chorus being more orchestral and atmospheric. Nice organ solo by the way. Encore sounds like a sixties hit with a modern arrangement. Bruce excels with his vocals; they are full of emotion and he is doing a sort of a duet with himself. The last track is solely Bruce singing and playing the harmonica; a short piece of blues just to remind the listener that the blues always has been one of his major interests. Automatic is a very interesting and intriguing record from one of the finest rock musicians of all time. A worthy but stand alone addition to his impressive career and not to be missed by any fan of Jack Bruce or collectors of early eighties synthipop.