Listen to Head Automatica’s first new music since 2006 with prowling new single ‘Bear The Cross’

Head Automatica, the band led by Glassjaw’s Daryl Palumbo, have returned with their first new music since 2006 in the form of ‘Bear The Cross’.

The band resurfaced after a long absence in 2023, playing a series of shows around the US. The current line-up features Palumbo alongside Richard Flesh (bass), Craig Bonich (guitar), Chad Hasty (drums) and Eric Mitchell (electronics).

And now, they are back with new material. ‘Bear The Cross’ is a moody, prowling track with a dusty, trip-hop beat and industrial, echo-laden guitar stabs. Listen to the song below:

“To me, ‘Bear The Cross’ is both a logical and unexpected evolution of Head Automatica’s sound,” Palumbo has said.

“The sounds and ideas are very familiar but age undeniably changes your personality, creative leanings and approach. There is an urgency and boldness in what you feel empowered to produce after a certain point. ‘Bear The Cross’ and our new material on the whole are a reflection of that while still constantly maintaining a body moving element.”

The band will also be playing a series of four shows later this month, including their first New York gigs in 14 years and a double appearance at the UK’s Slam Dunk Festival.

Head Automatica will play: 

MAY
25 – Hatfield, UK, Slam Dunk Festival 
26 – Leeds, UK, Slam Dunk Festival 
29 – New York, NY, Bowery Ballroom 
31 – Patchougue, NY, 89 North 

Head Automatica formed in 2004, the brainchild of Palumbo, who was looking for an outlet to explore his love of new wave, synth and garage rock sounds, away from his life in hardcore band Glassjaw.

They released two studio albums together: 2004’s ‘Decadence’, followed by ‘Popaganda’ two years later. ‘Bear The Cross’ is their first new material since the latter album’s release.

Last summer, Palumbo joined up with Bring Me The Horizon and Lil Uzi Vert on the single ‘AmEN!’, a powerhouse track that tackles the theme of extra-religious hypocrisy.

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