The Lumineers Embrace Grit And Groove On 'Automatic'

The Lumineers have long been celebrated for their heart-wrenching storytelling and foot-stomping anthems. But with their latest release, 'Automatic', the indie-folk band from Colorado ventures into uncharted territory, embracing a raw, road-worn energy that feels both gritty and bold. 

Released on February 14th, their fifth studio album isn’t just another folk-rock record, it’s The Lumineers at their most unfiltered and uninhibited. This time, they’re not just playing folk tunes; they’re setting the whole scene ablaze

The world has shifted since The Lumineers’ 2012 debut album 'The Lumineers' and 'Automatic' is their reflection on that transformation. Lead singer Wesley Schultz explained in a press release, "The album explores some of the absurdities of the modern world, like the increasingly blurry line between what's real and what's not, and the variety of ways we numb ourselves while trying to combat both boredom and overstimulation." With its bold dissection of contemporary chaos, 'Automatic' feels both urgent and deeply resonant.

The album kicks off with the fast-paced single 'Same Old Song', a pounding, defiant anthem that sets the tone for 'Automatic'’s raw emotion and rebellious energy. Schultz sings from the perspective of a struggling musician spiraling into despair, a theme that echoes the band’s early years. The song even nods to a real-life setback, when their gear was stolen before a gig in Southern California: "They popped the trunk and left the keys behind / The cops pretend to care / I’ll never see my mom’s guitar again." Schultz’s gritty delivery turns this loss into a battle cry, making it the perfect opener for an album that refuses to dwell in nostalgia—it fights back.

Recorded in just 26 days at Woodstock’s Utopia Studio, 'Automatic' captures the raw spontaneity of a live session. Co-produced with David Baron and Simone Felice, the album blends vintage folk instrumentation with a contemporary punch, staying true to The Lumineers’ warmth while exploring new sonic landscapes. 'Asshole' brings a sly, self-deprecating humour, locking into a tight, punchy groove. Schultz sings, "First we ever met / You thought I was an asshole / Probably correct / But I still feel your shadow." It’s brutally honest, impossible not to nod along to, and emblematic of the album’s fearless approach.

As 'Automatic' unfolds, the title track deepens the album’s existential musings. 'You’re All I Got' follows with a stripped-down, folk-tinged arrangement, featuring delicate piano and introspective lyrics. The gentle yet groovy energy carries into 'Plasticine', offering a moment of quiet reflection before the album’s second half plunges into heavier emotional terrain.

'Ativan' begins as a hushed confession before swelling into a powerful chorus of harmonies, with Schultz’s aching delivery making lines like, "If I can’t make you happy then nobody can," feel deeply personal. 'Keys On The Table' brings listeners into the studio, capturing the band’s unfiltered energy, while 'Better Day' strips everything back to Schultz alone at the piano, delivering a breathtaking, intimate performance.

Dramatic keys and swelling strings in 'Sunflowers' pave the way for the closer, 'So Long', a Southern-tinged rocker that delivers one last burst of reckless energy. It’s a triumphant send-off for an album that masterfully balances struggle and hope.

With 'Automatic' fresh off the press, The Lumineers are gearing up for an extensive world tour. Fans can expect a mix of new anthems and beloved classics, all delivered with the band’s signature fire and intimacy. Be sure to grab your tickets before they disappear, this is one tour you won’t want to miss.

 

Nicole Palmlund

@npalmlund

Image: '(Automatic)' Official Album Cover

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