On Timbreland Records, Released 17 August, 2009.

‘Robots in the Orchestra’ is the debut album from Manchester based trio I Am Your Autopilot and is a collection of ten meticulously crafted songs that effortlessly blend soulful electronics and choral vocals with chiming acoustic guitars and analogue synth oscillations.

I Am Your Autopilot have collaborated with New York based multimedia artist Fredo Viola for a series of European shows throughout 2009, including an appearance at La Cigale in Paris and a live session on the internationally renowned La Blogotheque.

The three members of the band have history between them - Ben Evans and Graeme Brooker were writing partners for a number of years in The Italian Love Party who recorded for Tony Wilson’s Factory Too label. Jasper Wilkinson played with Jersey Street, whose mix of soul and afro-funk was on regular rotation on the dancefloor at Manchester’s now legendary Electric Chair night.

As a three-piece the sound they create belies influences as diverse as Air, Spiritualized, Simon & Garfunkel and François Couperin and their debut album grabs you with its cinematic, heartbreaking and jubilant quality.

In 2008 I Am Your Autopilot were short-listed for the prestigious Best in Manchester award for their work in collaborative multimedia, and further projects are planned for the future including more multi-national cluster videos with Fredo Viola and soundtrack work for Little Gorilla Films in New York.

Distinctive, and very different keyboard notes introduce the opening song ‘Smokescreens’ and continue at a decreasing level underneath some wonderful vocal harmonies. There’s melody to burn, good lyrics and a highly innovative sound. ‘All In Our Hands’ proves the band has a few more enchanting tricks up its sleeves. It wanders along at relatively slow pace with the most subtle, dark guitar backdrop. Love it! ‘We’ve Been Here Before’ takes another left-turn with the most extraordinary electronic noises quickly followed by an acoustic guitar passage complete with scraping strings, and anothwer gorgeous vocal performance. There’s a strong folk vibe to this one and a faint reminder of Simon & Garfunkel.

‘Airside’ takes another mind-boggling musical turn with electronics and warped vocal samples dominating. The sound then becomes ‘cleaner’ with bass-driven Russian choral style backing vocals and another set of good lyrics which are audible with great clarity. Hand Claps introduce ‘Think Of The Words’ in a song that is performed a capella save for the odd drum roll for the first few minutes. Keyboards then flash in and out in the most adventurous song here. ‘Empty Heart’ performs the trick but this time with electronic accompaniement arriving about a minute in joined by subtle guitar notes. It’s a beautiful, moving song.

Then arrives one of my favourite tracks that we’ll be airing soon on our radio show. It’s a heady. tuneful mix of the new and old. Extraordinary. Darkness and threat pervades ‘Traces’s’ opening passage followed by the lightness of vocals and gently plucked guitar, and brushed tom-toms. ‘Timelines’ is my standout on this album due mainly to the first extensive use of swaying strings and a song that reminds me of one of my faviourite bands, Low. Gorgeous.  This wonderful album closes in strong acoustic style with ‘Five Lanes’ and the clearest and most moving vocals on the album.

There’s adventure and musicality in abundance here, and certainly an album that, for me, will feature in our end-of-year best-of list. There’s subtle sonic diversity in virtually every song whilst the band’s signature sound is sustained throughout. Highly recommended.

4/5