This album starts off with a deep and deliberate hip-hop backbeat on the very promising Focus, which is quite focused, bringing to mind Jay-Z and his 99 Problems hit but slightly lighter. Plodding along nicely, Automato is also influenced by bands like the Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest with keyboards and piano in the mix. The group keeps the momentum on The Single, although it's not quite as groovy, but is helped with solid harmonies, group interaction, and frat house party ambience. The rap-oriented hip-hop fares better than the mellow arrangement on My Casio, which sounds like a paltry yet revamped new wave cover. Automato also reverts to well-worn rap clichés, making this song an arduous listen. Fortunately, the genre-pushing Walk into the Light is far funkier and shines, recalling Prince circa Purple Rain with a great, tight chorus. "I take my feet out of my socks and put a pebble inside/So even when I walk I got a rock in my stride," they sing on Gold of Desert Kings, which goes back to an old-school urban flair. One clunker, however, is the uninspired and flamenco-tinged pop on Hollywood and Vine, which is best left to people like the Roots or N.E.R.D. Another less than impressive tune is the feathery Capes Billowing, which features one too many progressive rock characteristics. Near the home stretch they go back to their strengths, particularly on The Let Go, which will induce head bobbing or limb shaking despite its cheesy keyboard accents. Ditto for the midtempo piano-driven How to Read a Person Like a Book, which has a lot of flow. Unfortunately, Hope is never-ending, as a guitar solo and extended jam diminish the earlier moments. While not a terrific album, the good often outweighs the occasional filler. ~ Jason MacNeil, Rovi

1		Focus
2		The Single
3		My Casio
4		Walk Into The Light
5		Gold Of Desert Kings
6		Cool Boots
7		Hollywood And Vine
8		Capes Billowing
9		The Let Go
10		How To Read A Person Like A Book
11		Hope