Autochrome

Boston’s Autochrome is a darkwave, post-punk group of four formed in late 2010. Bassist and now singer Jeff Bartell and drummer Patrick Florance initially met while performing together in the psych-rock outfit Magic Shoppe. While the band was initially developed as a side project, Richard Murillo quickly joined on guitar, and Autochrome played their first two shows in 2011 as a three-piece. The band’s early shows drew immediate attention with their pulsating rhythm section and escalating guitarscapes, led by Bartell’s fervent vocal melodies. This prompted the local promoter of the Deep Heaven Now music festival to showcase them on the bill in only their second live performance. Shortly afterward Kate Murray filled out the band, bringing additional guitar and keyboard fluidities. While opening for international acts such as sonic icons Caspian, they began drawing attention from New England promoters. Subsequently Autochrome were showcased at the CQ Presents and TT the Bear’s rock club industry kick-off party.

In mid-2011 Autochrome released their first single, “Senses,” which went on to become WZBC Flyweight’s 2011 Song of the Year. Their sound has been described as a Manchester galaxy of pulsating dance beats, angular soaring guitars, and introspective melodies. Notable influences include the Chameleons, Gang of Four, Joy Division, Wire, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC). Straight on the heels of landing on the cover of the 2012 Phoenix Spring Arts Preview and with write ups in the Boston Globe and Boston Metro, Autochrome is set to release their first album Separation Realms March 30 at TT the Bear’s in Cambridge.