LOWER AUTOMATION is a math punk/noise outfit from Chicago, Illinois. This is their brand new EP, available July 27^th through Bandcamp entitled, "Shoebox Companion" It contains 6 tracks. The band was formed back in 2015, when they released their debut EP called "Maps"

The EP starts off with the track "Coax" which has some blistering guitars and some really whacky tempo changes. We have some interesting electronic effects in the background with some very powerful grooves in the bass lines. The song basically sounds like a cross between THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and AT THE DRIVE IN. The vocals definitely have a MARS VOLTA touch to them. There is a great deal of dissonance in the guitar sound, which serves a nice dish of chaos and craziness.  We even have a bit of the no-nonsense side, akin to FAITH NO MORE in here as well.

"Cattle Prod Hypochondriac" has an incredibly powerful intro with the vocals pounding through immediately and it dwells into some guitar slides, tempo changes, and bass lines, reminiscent of CONVERGE. We have an interesting use of snare noises and spoken-word effects in the background, as well. This song is all over the place yet somehow retains a certain structure amidst distortion.

"Tethered" has some really special effects in the guitars where the sounds seems to stop and go and some interesting cleaner parts are found here, something we hear usually in progressive rock or instrumental djent parts. We have a very subtle dose of solos. This is one of the songs I find the easiest to follow, as it has more linear parts to it, even though there is a lot of technical expertise. I find it has the most memorable melodies of the entire EP.

"30 Second Song" is exactly what it says it is, in terms of duration. It is a very dark and schizophrenic piece of music. Serves as an interlude into "Phil and Phyllis Philler" that has some of the higher pitch of the vocals but also a TOOL-side to them in the calmer moments. The softer side of this track I find is one of the better moments even if it does not last very long.

Last we have "Swing Flesh" which has a very loud distorted intro and pounding drums. Some electronic effects in the vocals. This song almost feels like a post-punk/cyberpunk piece of music. It's definitely a powerful ending to the album that has had no shortage of intensity.

Overall, every piece on this EP has a very distinct purpose and they follow a similar pattern. The musicianship found here is off the charts. The only downside is that the vocals can be really high pitch sometimes and be a bit distracting from the incredibly technical music in the background.<