Finite Automata (band)
| Finite Automata | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Genres |
Post-industrial Electro industrial Industrial rock Dark ambient |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels | Beyond Therapy Records |
| Associated acts |
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| Website | finiteautomata.net Official Website |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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Finite Automata is an American dark electronic music group formed in Pensacola, Florida in 2006 and relocating to Atlanta, Georgia in 2013. They are known for their deep layered sound, frequent experimental live use of sound making devices such as radios and tapedecks, and their highly politically charged, confrontational, and theatrical stage performances. The group's name stems from the computer science concept of Finite State Machines, used as a metaphor for the predictability of human behavior. The band cites 1980's and 1990s electro-industrial groups Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, and Project Pitchfork as their primary influences. Much of their early work has been referred to as a "throwback" as much of its style is reminiscent of early electro-industrial as opposed to the more recent and popular Aggrotech offshoot.[1][2] Their more recent work draws heavily on the darker and more experimental sounds of second and third generation industrial, like with previous releases, but with a healthy dose of modern production stylings and a more updated sound. [3]
History
Finite Automata is the product of a project started in 2006 by musician, programmer, and visual artist Mod Eschar (Dominique Price), as an attempt to create a sound similar to 80's electro industrial. The band's original focus was more on stage performance than music. In 2008 Eschar was joined by keyboardist c. Grendel (Christopher Stanley) and later by musician Mat Syn (Mathew Porter).[4] Since that time the band's member roster has had several lineup changes, with Eschar the only founding member still active with the group.
Here Won No One
In 2010, a chance conversation with Ben V of the Ludovico Technique resulted in the band being invited to play Beyond Therapy's annual Florida Underground Industrial Music Festival. After several years of playing regionally they were picked up by Beyond Therapy Records in 2011 and released their first EP Here Won No One on that label. The release was met with criticism regarding its amateur production quality but was praised for its "return to roots" feel. In April 2012, the band co-headlined the week long "Medical Meat" tour with Atlanta-based Prognosis, in support of the release.[5][6]
Recurse and Dogma Eye
Finite Automata released their first full length studio album Recurse on Beyond Therapy Records in December 2012. The release contains material written and recorded between 2007 and 2010 by Eschar and c. Grendel. Three months after the release of Recurse the band announced c. Grendel's amicable departure as a permanent member of Finite Automata, citing family obligations and his inability to tour as his primary reasons for leaving the group. Miranda Pixley, who had been the band's keyboardist during the band's Medical Meat Tour, was drafted as his tentative replacement. It was also announced that Eschar and Syn had already begun work on the followup to Recurse, entitled Dogma Eye as well as the imminent release of a single from the upcoming album.[7][8] In April 2014, musician Scott Storey, formerly of Atlanta-based groups Skabdriver and Voodoo Velkro, joined as Finite Automata's permanent keyboardist.
In November 2014, Mat Syn was removed from the list of active members on the group's social media sites. Eschar has since confirmed that Mat Syn is no longer a member of Finite Automata for unspecified reasons. In January of 2016, instrumentalist Damian Turner of the Atlanta based Ectoproxy joined the group.
Members
Founding members
- Mod Eschar - vocals, programming, producer
- c. Grendel - synth, keyboards
- Mat Syn - synth, keyboards, guitars
Current members
- Mod Eschar - vocals, programming, producer
- Scott Storey - synth, keyboards
- Damian Turner - guitars, various instruments
Past Members
- c. Grendel (2007-2013)
- Mat Syn (2007, 2010-2014)
- Vic Martinez (2008-2009)
- Miranda Pixley (2012,2013) [live]
- Sidney Pirata (2015) [live]
Discography
- Studio Albums
- Recurse (2012)
- Dogma Eye (TBA)
- EPs and Singles
- Here Won No One (2011)
- Second Circle (2015)
- Remixes
- Die Sektor "Beneath" (2013)
- MyParasites "ParaNOID" (2014)
References
- ↑ Jessica Franz (Chirality), "Interview with Finite Automata", Carpe Nocturne Magazine, June 1, 2011. Access date: March 12, 2012.
- ↑ Michael Smith, "Industrial acts converge on the Big Easy Tavern", gopensacola.com, Feb 2, 2012.
- ↑ Blake Griffin, "Finite Automata InterView: Scrapes and Bruises", Regen Magazine, October 9, 2015. Access date: December 13, 2015.
- ↑ Michael Smith, "Finite Automata, Preacher, Transfer Case @ The Handlebar. 05/07/11", Take Cover and Shoot, May 19, 2011. Access date: March 12, 2012..
- ↑ "Finite Automata - Finite Automata – Here Won No One at Discogs". Discogs.com. 2011-11-03. Retrieved 2013-03-02.
- ↑ "Finite Automata – Here Won No One EP". regenmag.com. 2012-08-20. Retrieved 2013-03-10.
- ↑ "Finite Automata - Recurse (CDr, MP3, Album, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com. 2012-12-29. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
- ↑ "Looking Ahead". finiteautomata.net. 2013-03-09. Retrieved 2013-03-10.