Western Automatic:

Western Automatic is a project formed by Matt Christensen in 1997. Although the core member is Christensen, the band incorporates other musicians (electric piano, horns & more ) to the electronic tapestry.

In the tradition of Brian Eno, Christensen & friends set out to build a subtle musical landscape which "can be ignored if one chooses, but would also reward a more attentive listening". Many of the pieces on the debut album It's 1995 (released in December of 2000 on Loose Thread) were constructed over drones which were on some tracks discarded before the final performance, intended only as building blocks. The instruments were then fed through numerous systems to fuse static, hiss and a variety of other noises to the basic tracks. All of the selections on It's 1995 were recorded live, with no overdubs.This same approach is used live, leading to unpredictable yet interesting results. Western Automatic will be releasing the follow-up to It's 1995 on Loose Thread towards the end of 2002.

Press on It's 1995:

"this third release on the Loose Thread label is immensely rich and seductive...it's not difficult to involve yourself in the steady sound of this album's floral awakening." -Pitchforkmedia.com

"Beautifully manipulates the ideas set forth by soundscape pioneer Brian Eno." -Lost at Sea online

"Excellent subsonic creations reminiscent of Pole or Porter Ricks" -Mass Transfer

"It's 1995 brings together repetitive catchy beats, otherworldly keyboard playing, and various effects into spacey instrumentals sure to catch the ear or even better, provide mood music for your entire day." -The Synthesis

"Wholly electronic sounds emanate from the speakers as sweetly and slowly as honey from a bottle." -Impact Press