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Band:
Automan.Ca
Label:
Unkledunk Records
Album:
Test Drive x 5
Release:
2006
Genre:
Hard Rock
Reviewer:
Rob
Rating:
4.0 stars
Site:

Hailing from the 'Great White North', and founded by Killer Dwarf's drummer, Darrell 'Dwarf' Millar, Automan.ca is bringin' the 'rock' back to rock n' roll. Sounding like classic AC/DC and even current bands like Rhino Bucket or American Dog, Automan.ca is proving themselves as an up and coming band ready for that big break to help make them a bigger name in our genre.

Simply put, the tracks on the album are...well, simple. And what I mean is that the tracks simply rock. They aren't over produced with sonic booms, gizmos and gadgets and hidden tracks to give a tune that 'bombastic' sound which you can lose the music in the mix. With these 5 tracks you can localize and follow each instrument and vocal. To me this is the best way to connect with music. When you can listen to a tune and picture yourself just sitting there in front of the band playing in the studio or ina small intimate crowd is the vibe I get from the album.

As I said above, you can put this on and think you are listening to long lost AC/DC tracks. "Porno Queen" starts off the album with probbaly the biggest sound of the 5 tracks. Raw in your face rock. 'Livin'' Bitter Better, give you that laid back, slow jam tune, almost 'bluesy'. Reminds me of "Ride On", again by AC/DC. "Big Dollar" & "Givin' The Biz" showcase the backing vocals of the band. "Givin' The Biz" has this toe-tapping riff that you can't but help to shake your leg too. This band mesh so well. They sound seasoned as if they been a force to be noticed for years and years.

The highlight to me is the Bonus DVD that comes with this package. This isn't your fully produced show like a Judas Priest "Rising From The East" or Def Leppard's "In the Round In Your Face". Not to say those are bad, they aren't. But being a music fan I really dig behind the scenes. Unedited, raw, in your face....the read friggin' deal! And that is what you have here. A couple of hand-cams, and there you have. As I watched I felt like either I was filming this or that I ws in the room. I laughed...didn't cry, but laughed at the 'Story Of Dunk'. Who is Dunk who say? BUY it and find out! I almost sang Happy Birthday to Kevin as well. And I think I had to take a happy pill in the rehearsal room cause I felt cramped! LOL (you will know what I am talking about when you see it!).

Aside from the backstage antics, you get a few songs live on stage. My only downfall here is, wish the crowd was bit louder, with arms in the air. I am giving "Test Drive x 5" 4 out 5 stars, simply because I was left wanting more from the boys. Do yourself a favor, get the album...I think if you like gritty like AC/DC, Rhino Bucket & American Dog you will truely like this album.


Band Lineup:
  • Darrell 'Dwarf' Millar - Lead Vocals
  • Carleton Lockhart - Guitars
  • Kevin Gale - Guitars
  • John Fenton - Bass
  • Adrian Cavan - Drums

 

Track Listing:
  1. Porno Queen
  2. Livin' Bitter Better
  3. She's A (Manbeater)
  4. Big Dollar
  5. Givin' The Biz

  6. DVD EXTRAS:
  7. The Story Of DUNK
  8. Rehearsal
  9. Kevin's B-Day
  10. Carelton's Guitars
  11. Fishing...

  12. LIVE TRACKS
  13. Porno Queen
  14. She's A (Manbeater)
  15. Livin' Bitter Better
  16. Big Dollar

 

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