American Motors hail from Pennsylvania, USA; they formed in 2023. Functional Music is their sophomore album; the trio consists of Dustin Travis White (guitars/vocals), Alex Steward (drums/vocals), and Andrew Krause (bass). Sonically, expect distorted guitars, hypnotic repetition, and strong drum patterns. The album contrasts abrasive guitar with dreamy sections.
There is a message; the album and lyrics focus on the declining American society, drugs, struggling to make ends meet, characters who live on the fringe of society and broken relationships. I wouldn’t describe the music as happy, but it is cinematic, drawing on films from the 1960s and 70s.
The album is quite dark, intense, dystopian and full of experimentation. ‘Obvious’ starts things in a dark, brooding manner, with lyrics delivered in a storyteller’s way; think The Walking Papers or Killing Joke for a sound comparison. ‘No Horses’ demonstrates the abrasive distorted sound, it is set along Route 60, just outside St Albans West Virginia, it has a sense of hopelessness running through it, think of the saying, ‘one horse town’. ‘5408 Big Tyler’ is a tale about a slumlord-owned apartment complex from White’s childhood; it is not a happy place! Neglect and family difficulties fill the narrative, showing how where you grow up affects a child, and how the environment stays with you throughout your life.
The music may not bring thoughts of privilege and a luxurious lifestyle; however, it is captivating as it gently weaves the story of the disenfranchised who see no future for themselves. It is haunting, though strangely filled with dark humour told through melodic storytelling.
I find this album strangely compelling; it has an eerie mood that permeates the airwaves, cutting through like a blunt-edged knife. Its starkness has an unhinged beauty that engulfs the listener. The production by J Robbins illustrates that, through one moment, one twist of fate, one event we have no control over, we too could be living in the shadows, unseen by society. That is probably the function of the 8 tracks that make up this collection of music.
Review: Paul Mace
Functional Music is out now via Expert Work / TGIC / Vina, buy HERE
Listen to Functional Music HERE
Watch video for “No Horses” HERE
Watch video for “Marlboro Miles” HERE
Buy Functional Music HERE
American Motors toured the East Coast with onelinedrawing in October, and has now announced new live dates:
American Motors live:
13/01 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 *
14/01 – Charlotte, NC – Milestone *
15/01 – Charleston, SC – Royal American *
16/01 – Atlanta, GA – Drunken Unicorn
18/01 – Birmingham, AL – True Story Brewing
19/01 – Lexington, KY – Green Lantern
20/01 – Milwaukee, WI – MKE Ultra ^
21/01 – Minneapolis, MN – Zhora Darling ^
22/01 – Chicago, IL – Burlington ^
23/01 – Columbus, OH – Cafe Bourbon St.
* = with Pretty Baby
^ = with Pre Language
Functional Music tracklist:
Obvious
One Chord
No Horses
5480 Big Tyler
Margaritaville pt. 2
Marlboro Miles
Tragedy
Gold Star
Functional Music is out now via Expert Work / TGIC / Vina, buy HERE
