The debut album by singer/songwriter Jai Agnish includes lots of intricate guitar, as well as a modest mix of keyboards and samples. "Surprised Eyes" includes a delicate mix of sounds and distortion. There's an introspective playfulness going on here. Beats, blips, and bleeps are coordinated in an interesting way. That song is followed by "How You Dream," which is a breezy and heartfelt ballad, more structured than some of the other songs on the disc. The variety of musical approaches makes
Automata an interesting and eclectic hodgepodge of indie and experimental rock. The playful "Somerset Streets" includes an appearance by Steve Wolosin on percussion. The acoustic guitar and synthesizer arrangement on "Green Series No. 1" is an inventive and soothing approach. Agnish plays with dance beats and religion on "Jesus Song," with his tongue firmly in his cheek. The disc comes to an end with the carefree tones of "Send Me." The song includes melodica by guest musician
Sufjan Stevens. Most of
Automata was recorded by Steve Wolosin in New Jersey. It was released on Blue Bunny records in 2000. ~ Stephen Cramer