It’s time you are introduced to indie duo @
“Autosmile” is the sophomore album from the indie folk duo @.
The band consists of Stone Filipczak and Victoria Rose, who began exchanging musical ideas over text messages during the COVID-19 quarantine in 2020. They created their entire first album, “Mind Palace Music,” virtually. The band’s name has made it difficult to search for on Google. Does “Autosmile” put this up-and-coming duo on the map? Let’s dig in.
The album begins with a haunting flute and guitar riff, throwing us headfirst into the sound it plays with the whole time. This track is primarily sung by Flipiczak, in what is his best performance on the album. The quick delivery on this instrumental fits his voice so well. Rose on the background vocals complement the track well. “Bird” is great start to the album.
“Love In The Dark” flips the roles. Rose takes the helm for this track and crushes it vocally. Her voice is like that of Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice, especially at the end of the song. Her falsetto vocals are fantastic. Flipiczak comes in for harmonies that add to the personality of the track.
“I Know You Are (But What Am I Thinking)” opens with quirky percussion. A sweet guitar riff leads the track. Rose and Flipiczak open the track together with Flipiczak taking over in the second half. The elements of blues on this track provide a fresh feel just three tracks in.
The next track, “Earthly Love,” also has similar blues inspiration. Rose leads this one with tough strings and woodwinds that make the track.
“Your Dog” doesn’t do it for me. The songwriting on the track is okay, but Flipiczak’s vocals are a detriment to this track. He has a very whiney delivery that is not pleasant. “Bird” was an exception with a toned-down vocal performance. Also, the dog metaphor is very on the nose and isn’t too exciting.
“I’m Not In Pain” is a stroke of genius on this album. It builds on the sound that we’ve heard so far and takes it to the next level with heavier guitars and some out of control strings. Flipiczak’s background vocals are menacing and make for a grave atmosphere. The track then switches up completely; Rose’s vocal delivery is effortlessly cool, and the second half of this track solidifies it as a journey despite barely touching five minutes.
“Punish My Mind” has a sugary sound, with some questionable ape noises in the song that start the track and then return, for some reason. Sugary harmonies fill the entire track, which are almost Beach Boys-esque. Overall, it’s a lovely song that somehow shines despite the ape sounds.
The title track is another stroke of genius on the album. The melody is colorful, paired with Rose’s vocals and a rewarding build on the track. The way the instrument pairs with the vocals on the line, “And I’m in a lovely place,” works incredibly. There’s such a lush arrangement that surrounds the entire track, making this a highlight.
“Amity” is a weak finale to the album. The track is not very engaging with a clunky refrain. It continues the trend of sweet orchestral parts but the overall track is just fine.
“Autosmile” is a great album by the duo. Don’t “@” me, but these two should be on everyone’s radar for future projects. There are flashes of brilliance on this album mixed with some great tracks.
Rating: 4/5