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Andy’s Automatics
After seeing Andy’s Automatics perform live in April on Appleton’s
PAC Stage during the national broadcast of Michael Feldman’s
popular radio show Whad’ Ya Know, I was immediately hooked and
had to track down some music from this dynamite local group.
Their self-titled five-song EP is a blast of fresh air, with what the band
likes to describe as “a blend of Johnny Cash’s ’50s rockabilly mixed
with Chris Isaak’s smooth groove country.
Formed in 2002 by frontman/vocalist/guitarist Andy Lubahn and
bassist/producer Jeff Verner, they belt out sharply written, picture-
perfect songs that reveal a very tight unit of musicians. Whether
singing about finding love or losing it, their music is always lively
and upbeat, with a sound anchored by the range and power of Lubahn’s
smoothly flowing vocals and Mike Soffa’s silver-tongued pedal
steel guitar.
I’d give every song five stars, but “Anymore” and “Nothing Left To Say”
are the standout hits, both boasting a classic feel and melodic hooks
that won’t let you go. Their unique sound, hard work and a few
lucky aces dealt from the deck will surely land them further national
recognition.
Catch them in local venues when you can. Look for upcoming shows
at Tom’s Garage, Country USA, and the Paper City Pub. More info at
www.andysautomatics.com - By Michael Hopkins June 2004
Discography
Self title, 5 song EP in spring of 03'
"Things Have Changed" full length in summer of 05'
Listening available.
Photos
Bio
It’s a genre that’s been described in many ways. Some call it traditional country, some call it hillbilly and grassroots country, and some call it alternative country or Americana. We call it a pure, unadulterated original blend of smooth-groove honky-tonk, rockabilly, and REAL country music. But after hearing standards by Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, as well as current artists like BR549, The Derailers, The Bottle Rockets, and Cigar Store Indians, you may have to put your own label on Andy’s Automatics, especially after hearing their solid interpretations. But despite performing exciting versions of their favorite artists, the main focus of the group has been the writing and recording of Andy’s Automatics’ original songs, which unite Andy’s passionate lyrics and artistic melodies with his powerful delivery. This high-energy band is sure to have you leaving their show with a refreshing appreciation for many styles of country music.
Formed in late 2002, the band got off to a rousing introduction, opening for the renowned Junior Brown and Stray Cats’ bass guru Lee Rocker. A debut, self-titled 5-song EP release soon followed in May of 2003. After sharing the stage with The Legendary Shack Shakers, Wayne ‘The Train’ Hancock, and Shannon Lawson, the Automatics began broadening their base with shows in Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota. A sampling of local appearances includes Country USA 2004 in Oshkosh, special musical guests of the nationally syndicated Michael Feldman Show on NPR, and featured local musicians on FOX Network’s WLUK-TV, Green Bay. Armed with more original songs, the band has begun recording a second, full-length CD, due for release in early summer 2005.
Front man Andy Lubahn is the guitarist/vocalist/songwriter, and does so with heavy influence from Dwight Yoakam, Chris Isaak, and The Mavericks’ Raul Malo. Experienced bassist/vocalist Jeff Verner brings the great ‘2-4 beat’ that has personified both traditional country and early rock and roll music. Jeff also produced the debut CD. Playing pedal steel and guitar is Mike Soffa, a seasoned musician with a discerning ear. The backbone of the rhythm section is drummer Tom Hansen, an experienced multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. The talent and chemistry shared between these four musicians is evident both acoustically and visibly, and the audience will be treated to a performance worth remembering.
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