Canadian rockers Autopilot take back the controls on their new single, “Unwound”, as they begin the latest part of a huge North American headline tour. “Unwound” shows a band hitting optimum cohesion in their sonic output, whilst continuing to push themselves and challenge the parameters of their soundscape. Autopilot marry the intricacy of indie-rock with the driving tones of alternative; a guitar led delivery oozing with candour and melody. Speaking on the new track, lead vocalist Marlon Harder shares: “Unwound was written coming out of the lockdown days when we had to relearn how to live again. It’s about trying to find some meaning again in an upside world where everything felt familiar yet so different.” Stream “Unwound” via: Rock ‘N’ Load caught up with Autopilot to chat musical influences and there are some unexpected beauties below:
Modest Mouse: Modest Mouse has been one of my biggest influences. From the indie sounds of The Lonesome Crowded West to the guitars on The Moon and Antarctica, the more polished sound of We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank, and the latest Golden Casket. Isaac Brock writes great songs with hooks and lyrics that have influenced a lot of Autopilot songs. One thing that has always intrigued me is his unique vocal phrasing. I have learnt a lot just watching their incredible live show. The War on Drugs: The War on Drugs got me with the pop hooks, the synth lines, and spacey guitars can. This influence can kind of be heard in our live show through the violin bow I play on the guitar almost having the sound of a synth. On some of our new songs yet to be released, we use a 1980s Roland synth. The Strokes: I feel like The Strokes have inspired so many bands in the last 2 decades and their impact on new music has been understated. Some of the guitar and drum styles of The Strokes have been mentioned by a few radio stations when talking about our single Feverish Dreams. We were stoked to play the Mercury Lounge in Manhattan last month where The Strokes played early on. The Killers: The Killer have been an inspiration as far as their song craft. The big chorus, catchy synth, and guitar. I’m definitely a fan of the whole team that worked on Imploding the Mirage. The Cure: I was late to the party getting into The Cure. I only got into listening to them after having the comparison playing live. I still don’t hear it myself but I have become a big fan so we decided to cover In Between Days. Our take on the song has a 90s vibe with a bunch of distortion. That was our first track out in 2022. I still get the odd vocal comparison but I don’t understand that.
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Canadian Musician Magazine calls them “one of the hardest working bands in the country” and it’s easy to see why. In the last 14 months, Saskatchewan rockers Autopilot have toured North America tirelessly, supporting four single releases. The band are back for over 50 more shows lined up over two spells in fall 2023. While Autopilot’s work ethic and graft has seen them pick up myriad tour opportunities, it’s the band’s deft and captivating brand of rock that has earned them radio play across North America. As well as hitting Earshot’s Top 50, the NACC North American College Charts, and Sirius XM, the highly rated act also received a nomination from the Saskatchewan Music Awards for Best Rock/Pop Artist in 2019. With their much anticipated album nearing completion, the Saskatoon crew follow up the release of “Say Something” and “Feverish Dreams” with latest release “Unwound”. The track is an unerringly moreish output, displaying Autopilot’s nuanced ability to craft glistening pop sensibility alongside groovy guitar lines and anthemic choruses. Listen to “Unwound” here. |
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