On Feb. 14, alternative folk band The Lumineers released their fifth studio album, “Automatic.” The album featured nine new tracks, three of which were previously released as a teaser EP. The album explores themes of modernism through top songs such as “Same Old Song” and “You’re All I Got.”
This was the band’s first release in three years, following their 2022 hit album “Brightside.” Senior Anya Locke shared her excitement for the new release.
“[The Lumineers] haven’t released new music and all that, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I did really like it,” Locke said. “And it grew on me the more I listened to it.”
Senior Griffin Selber gave his first impression. “I heard the first single ‘Same Old Song,’ and I enjoyed it. I thought it sounded a little different than what I was expecting, but I did like it,” Selber said.
The album is different from previous releases; it features upbeat melodies paired with reflective lyrics about the modern world; a theme especially seen in “Ativan.” Named after an anxiety and epilepsy drug, the title connects with lyrics such as “If I can’t make you happy then nobody can/your sweet Ativan.” Another prime example of the theme is reflected in the song “Better Day,” which references political distress and social media. All in all, “Automatic” focuses on the ironies and flaws of modern day living.
Senior Isabel Olson agreed with this sentiment. “I think it’s very much a self realization album through The Lumineers, especially in the terms of ‘Same Old Song,’” Olson said. “I think there’s a lot of elements of reflection, and the album stands as a point of reflection for The Lumineers and the album as a whole.”
The themes of “Automatic” are fitting for the folk style of The Lumineers.
“As a band, I like their folk vibe, like their instruments, and the guy’s voice is really nice,” Selber said. “They have some really catchy songs.”
Although the style of “Automatic” mimics previous albums, it’s hard to say if it’s better. Olson disagrees. “There are some Lumineers albums, such as ‘The Lumineers’ or ‘Three’ … [those] are classic Lumineers albums that I don’t think will ever be beatable,” Olson said.
Yet listeners are still big fans. “[My favorite song] changes every time I listen to it, but right now it’s ‘Keys On A Table,’” Locke said. “I really like all of it, just the whole song.”
Selber enjoyed the title track “Automatic” most. “I like the chorus and the instruments are really nice,” Selber said.
Along with the album, the band also announced a tour across the US, Canada, and the UK; with stops in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Locke, Selber, and Olson are all attending. “[I am] so excited, I just got tickets to see them in September,” Locke said.
The Automatic World Tour kicks off on Feb. 22, and wraps up on Oct. 14, giving fans plenty to look forward to in the new chapter of The Lumineers.
