I Can Build a Fire by Autoheart

Review written by plaudagio

Autoheart is a queer UK band that used to go by the name The Gadsdens, in reference to their lead vocalist Jody Gadsden. They refer to themselves as “genre hoppers,” though are described to work mostly with indie-pop. I chose their album I Can Build a Fire as I believe it is a solid album that greatly represents a lot of Autoheart’s work while also presenting a lot of variety. The album is an even mix of highs and lows, each song telling stories and expressing different emotions. For the sake of staying concise, I will be separating songs into groups of similar feeling and energy.

I want to start this review with Autoheart’s more optimistic tracks – or at least songs that give the impression of optimism, primarily to leave some of the harder-hitting songs for last. One of these songs that stands out to me is “Sylvia.” It’s fun, peppy, and almost excessively different from everything else in Autoheart’s discography – a pleasant surprise to see something so positive! With its funky drum patterns and electronic instrumentals, “Sylvia” is something that I expect to hear being played at an outside bar party. I find myself wishing that this song was separate, as tracks like “Possibility,” “Love is the Cure,” and “We Can Build a Fire” incorporate themselves into the album’s messaging more smoothly while still providing an upbeat balance. “We Can Build a Fire” strikes me as a song of inspiration while also acknowledging the hardships that come with perseverance. The chorus is sure and strong, leaving no room for doubt with the lyrics spoken by the voice of a leader: “Who in their right mind did you think you’d find standing behind you, your guardian angel? Don’t be ridiculous, man up, this is it. We can build a fire, I am not a liar.” It denotes a feeling of determination and the confidence in the lyrics masks any uncertainty of the words’ truthfulness. All in all, I find the uplifting impression of these tracks quite enjoyable, listening to them when I feel in higher spirits.

I personally find that songs reflecting Autoheart as a band are inherently emotional, mellow, and story-driven, staying catchy as well as thought-provoking. The songs in this album that I believe nicely incorporate these concepts are “Oxford Blood,” “RIP,” “Intro (feel),” “Before You Came,” and “Murky Waters.” Jody Gadsden’s vocal inflections and haunting voice enhance the emotional nature of these songs, while the plucky basses, guitars, and subdued synths bring everything together. One song in particular that I like is “RIP.” It feels melancholic, with lyrics describing themes of loss and heartbreak. Gadsden’s voice wonderfully exudes the turmoil of emotions present in the song, the instrumentals reflecting this in a way that insinuates a feeling of healing. “RIP” feels like a foil to the album’s “Before You Came,” with the former focusing on the ending of a relationship while the latter surrounds the feelings and recollections of the beginning. I wasn’t immediately struck by “Before You Came,” finding more interest in many of the other tracks due to their livelier natures. My fondness for the song grew as I learned about its importance and messaging in relation to Jody Gadsden and how the song was written specifically for his boyfriend. It’s an oddly nostalgic song, utilizing some vocoding elements that I don’t hear too often from Autoheart. “RIP” and “Before You Came.” In my own metaphorical perspective, they share a poignancy from opposing spectra regarding life and death that makes me want to further explore Autoheart’s intentions with each song. I believe these songs cohesively encompass Autoheart’s thematic decisions, and are a good place to start If you want to get a good idea of the band’s direction.

Autoheart sometimes illustrates songs with religious or biblical themes, seemingly representing the band’s personal experiences with religion. The songs “My Hallelujah” and “Joseph” have titles alluding to this, using the subject as a catalyst for metaphors surrounding love and relationships. “My Hallelujah” takes this perspective more directly, lyrically speaking to what is thought to be a god or a higher power. The song describes a strained relationship supposedly built on hope and trust, only to be continuously tested. The verses are utilized for story-telling, describing the tumultuous and uncertain feelings within the relationship. The chorus, in contrast, shifts into a tone of strength and perseverance with lyrics like, “I’m not the waiting kind, you can’t ruin my mind. I’ll find somebody else to call mine.” “My Hallelujah” really becomes special during the last chorus rendition; it leads in with a rising synth bridge and strips elements away to hone in on the vocals and dramatic piano stabs, culminating into one of the most powerful parts of the song. “My Hallelujah” holds emotional weight with its lyrics as well as its captivating music, and its intensity leads wonderfully into the last song on the album’s discography, “Joseph.”

I wanted to leave “Joseph” for last, as it’s a song that has left a long-lasting effect on me, and it still continues to give me shivers each time I listen to it. “Joseph” begins with low strings accompanied by a slow rise of synth chords, giving the beginning an almost spacey feeling as Gadsden’s voice solemnly echoes in. Just when the energy in the synths and vocals start to rise in prominence, the atmosphere suddenly empties. The instrumentals are replaced with a single, beautiful piano line as Gadsden’s lyrics harmonize with Anne Haight’s vocals, creating a wonderfully dramatic and somber environment. The verses tell a story throughout the song, serving as needed breaks in the dramatic tension without breaking the energy in the atmosphere. “Joseph” only increases the intensity when the second chorus comes through, introducing a backing choir and echoed drums to fill the previously emptied space. The finality, however, is what solidified “Joseph” as one of my favorite songs to date. Transitioning from the second chorus – a section already so immensely powerful – we are met with the bridge of song. Bright, intense synths replace the vocal lines while the choir and drums stay strong throughout. If “Joseph” gave me shivers before, then this section is what really gets me emotional. I find myself struggling to find words to express my deep love and appreciation for this song, only able to say that this bridge makes me feel an energy unlike any other song I’ve listened to.

I Can Build a Fire is an overall great album, and I believe that it greatly encompasses a lot of what Autoheart is as a band. It has a great selection of songs, all of which are unique and passionately crafted in their own way. I have listened to Autoheart’s music for years, with “The Sailor Song” being the introduction of my love for the band. With each new song that I listened to, I fell in love further, and that remains true to this day. With such a diverse arrangement of songs and stories, there is sure to be a song you will be able to adore or relate to.