Atanaria
After the release of their Live From Wrigley Field LP in late 2024, The Lumineers had many fans wondering what would come next for the Denver-based indie folk band. With Automatic, they’ve answered that question with an album that feels like a natural evolution of their sound—immediately familiar yet fresh. The record blends a delicate balance of upbeat anthems and introspective, slowed-down tracks, displaying the band’s undeniable knack for crafting both emotionally charged ballads and catchy melodies.
Automatic opens with an air of understated confidence. One of the early highlights, “Asshole,” showcases Wesley Schultz’s signature raw, emotive vocals that gradually build throughout the song, reaching a chorus that’s simple but impactful. The track’s subtle intensity, driven by a steady percussive beat and sparse instrumentation, proves that The Lumineers have honed their ability to evoke emotion without bombast.
One of the key strengths of Automatic is the band’s ability to write songs that draw you in with their lyrical depth and musicality. Take “Plasticine,” for example. This track is a prime example of how The Lumineers can weave together intricate melodies with haunting, yet relatable lyrics. The song features gentle acoustic guitar strumming, atmospheric keys, and a rhythmic pulse that builds in layers, creating a sound that is both expansive and intimate. The underlying theme of the song—a reflection on the fragility and impermanence of life—is woven perfectly into the music, showcasing the band’s talent for marrying storytelling with song structure.
However, the standout track of the album is undeniably “Keys on the Table.” This song encapsulates everything that makes The Lumineers so captivating. It’s a masterclass in simplicity, combining a folk-inspired melody with a driving piano line, layered vocals, and the kind of emotional intensity that the band has become known for. The repetitive, almost hypnotic refrain of “the keys on the table” creates a sense of longing and introspection that resonates deeply.
While Automatic may not boast a breakout single like “Ho, Hey” or “Cleopatra,” it’s important to note that The Lumineers have never been a band reliant on a single song to define their career. Rather, they have consistently crafted albums full of tracks that reward deeper listening. Automatic is no exception. It’s an album meant to be experienced as a whole, with each song offering something unique. Critics who expect another instant anthem might miss the quieter moments that define this record.
Musically, Automatic stays true to the band’s roots in indie folk, with rich acoustic textures, piano-driven melodies, and Schultz’s unmistakable voice leading the charge. But there’s an added level of sophistication in the production here. The tracks feel more polished, with subtle electronic flourishes and layers of instrumentation that provide a fuller, more atmospheric sound without losing the intimacy that made the band’s early work so beloved.
The Lumineers’ songwriting partnership continues to grow and evolve on Automatic, as the album represents a 20-year journey for co-founders Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites. Reflecting their experiences as fathers, Automatic takes on a new, raw vulnerability, acknowledging the chaos and connections that come with family life. The band’s deep understanding of the absurdities of the modern world and the ways we cope with overstimulation and boredom permeates the album.
In the words of Fraites, “People who think they have our number… they’ll be surprised.” Automatic reveals new sonic and thematic terrain for the band, influenced by the free-flowing creative process of recording in the expansive space of Woodstock’s Utopia Studio. This laid-back environment allowed The Lumineers to experiment with multiple setups and capture the energy of their live performances. The result is a record with a palpable sense of connection between the band members, steeped in love and camaraderie.
As The Lumineers embark on a thrilling 2025 live schedule, the songs of Automatic will come to life on stage. The band will perform at top-billed festivals and embark on a European tour, starting April 23 in Vienna, Austria. The tour will visit major cities across Europe, including Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris, and more, before concluding in mid-May. For North American fans, additional dates will be announced soon, offering an exciting opportunity to experience these new tracks live.
Automatic may not have a single like “Ho, Hey” or “Cleopatra” that instantly grabs the mainstream’s attention, but it offers something deeper and more rewarding—a body of work that showcases The Lumineers’ ability to evolve without losing their essence. This album is a testament to their continued growth as musicians and their dedication to creating meaningful, resonant music.
2025 Tour Dates:
April
23rd – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
24th – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
26th – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
27th – Milan, Italy – Unipol Forum
30th – Bilbao, Spain – Bilbao Arena
May
2nd – Lisbon, Portugal – MEO Arena
3rd – Madrid, Spain – WiZink
6th – Luxembourg, Luxembourg – Rockhal
8th – Berlin, Germany – Velodrom
9th – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
11th – Oslo, Norway – Oslo Spektrum
14th – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
15th – Cologne, Germany – LANXESS Arena
17th – Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFAS Live (SOLD OUT)
19th – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National
20th – Paris, France – Adidas Arena
For full tour details and ticket information, visit www.thelumineers.com/tour.
