Written and photos by Neal Cribb
On October 5, 2025, Austin’s Mohawk hosted Automatic, in support of their surreal and razor-sharp new album Excess. From the moment they took the stage, the band wove a sonic tapestry of moody synth lines, dark bass grooves, and sharp vocal interplay.
Automatic’s set drew heavily from Excess, mining themes of alienation and consumer excess with songs like “New Beginning,” an existential sci-fi-inspired anthem rejecting false hope, and “Reflect,” which explored internal turbulence under societal pressure. The performance balanced introspective moments with pulsating danceable energy, as shimmering synth textures collided with taut rhythms and emotionally resonant vocals.
In the outdoor expanse of Mohawk, the band’s luminous stage presence and tight arrangements felt simultaneously expansive and intimate. As lights danced across the crowd and the music resonated under the night sky, Automatic proved they’re not just a post-punk revival— they’re piercing something current and necessary.
