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Head Automatica
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Head Automatica
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Head Automatica is an American rock band from Brooklyn, New York fronted by Glassjaw frontman Daryl Palumbo.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Formation, Decadance and Popaganda (2003–2006)

[edit]

The beginnings of the band stemmed from singer Daryl Palumbo's interests in the hip hop and Britpop genres. Palumbo felt that the material that was inspired by these genres did not fit into Glassjaw's spectrum and so Head Automatica was created to showcase this.

The band's debut album, Decadence, was released August 17, 2004. Charting on the Billboard 200 and Top Heatseekers charts,[1] the album was the brainchild of Palumbo, who was known better for his work in post-hardcore music, and Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura, famous for his production work with groups including Gorillaz and Handsome Boy Modeling School. The two allegedly met at a party and worked on what later became the album. Palumbo then recruited the other current members as a touring group, and toured the United States,[2] playing with bands such as Interpol, The Rapture, The Used and The Cure.[3]

The band released their second album, entitled Popaganda, on June 6, 2006. This album was produced by Howard Benson, who had already worked with Head Automatica on several tracks from Decadence. With the departure of Nakamura, the band took a more organic, classic power-pop approach citing Squeeze and Elvis Costello as influences.

In 2006, the band toured with Avenged Sevenfold and Coheed and Cambria, and joined Taking Back Sunday, Angels & Airwaves, and The Subways for a month of touring on June 22. In October 2006, drummer and founding member Larry Gorman was fired from the band for undisclosed reasons, with Brandon Reid being announced as his replacement.[4] The band scheduled a headlining fall tour with Rock Kills Kid, but chose to cancel it after playing only a few dates. Instead, they supported Thirty Seconds to Mars on their Welcome to the Universe Tour along with The Receiving End of Sirens, Cobra Starship, and Rock Kills Kid. In early 2007, Head Automatica played direct support on The West Coast Winter Tour with Jack's Mannequin, We Are The Fury, and The Audition. The band visited the UK for the first time for a headlining tour that started at Southampton University on May 23, 2007,[5] and performed at Rock Am Ring festival in Nürburg, Germany on June 1.[6] August 2007 saw yet another change in the line up, with New York hardcore veteran Sammy Siegler taking over the drum kit.[7]

Swan Damage and disbandment (2007–2012)

[edit]

Head Automatica started pre-production on their third album in late September 2007, aiming for a "darker" sound and "grimy, dancefloor-friendly" songs.[8] The band recorded half of the material with producer Jason Lader and the other with The Brothers (the production team of Josh Topolsky and Eric Emm).[9] Sammy Siegler handled the drumming duties,[10] and Albert Wing, Bruce Fowler and Gary Grant recorded the brass section.[11] The band appeared in a Christmas-themed skit on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on December 18, 2008 and went on a short North American tour with Radio 4 in January 2009. They appeared at the 2009 South by Southwest music conference.[12] In May 2009, Palumbo confirmed that they had finished recording their next album, entitled Swan Damage.[13] In an interview with Revolt online magazine Palumbo stated that the record "captures everything we ever intended Head Automatica to be. It covers the genre spectrum; there are powerful clubby tracks, garage-pop tracks, and body-rocking tracks. This album really reflects the full spectrum of music this band is capable of playing.”[14] The band have been performing songs from Swan Damage live, working titles including "Can't Stand Amadeus", "End of Heat", "Too Ashamed", "Face Upon the Floor", "Spitzer", "Sega", "It's a Lie" and "Hard as Mud".

In July 2009 Head Automatica played a string of US dates with Cubic Zirconia.[15] The same month, Warner Bros. shelved the album, and the band went missing from the public eye for more than a year, with no announcements regarding Swan Damage.[16][17] The band re-emerged with a new rhythm section of drummer Guy Licata (Cold Cave, Hercules & Love Affair) and bassist Rick Penzone (Men, Women & Children)[18] to perform at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York on October 20, 2010.[19] On October 21, 2010 Palumbo tweeted a link to the Cubic Zirconia remix of the still-to-be-released track "Can't Stand Amadeus".

In late 2009, Palumbo and Head Automatica parted ways with Warner Bros. Records due to creative differences, taking the album's master tapes with him.[20] The album was effectively shelved after Palumbo left the label due to disputes with Warner Bros., but in 2012, he expressed hope that the album would be released "soon".[21][20][22][23] However, in a 2020 interview with Alternative Press, Palumbo expressed disinterest in releasing Swan Damage, citing its unfinished/unmastered state.[20] It has never been leaked.[17][20]

In August 2012 Head Automatica toured the UK as a four-piece, performing material from Swan Damage and new versions of songs from their first two records.[24][25][16] Later the same year, Palumbo and Rick Penzone began writing new music together, which both members felt was not appropriate for use with Head Automatica, leading to the formation of the band Color Film.[20]

Reunion (2023)

[edit]

In mid-December 2022, it was announced that Head Automatica would play the Furnace Fest in September 2023.[26][27] A month later, it was revealed that Head Automatica would be playing at the Sad Summer Festival in July 2023.[28]

On May 17, 2024, the band released a new single called "Bear The Cross", which marks the band's first release of new material since 2006.[29]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Daryl Palumbo — lead vocals (2003–2012, 2023-present)
  • Craig Bonich — guitars (2003–2010, 2023-present)
  • Richard "Rick" Penzone — bass (2010–2012, 2023-present), guitars (2010–2012)
  • Chad Hasty – drums (2023–present)

Former members

  • Jessie Nelson — keyboards (2005–2012)
  • Steven Heet — drums (2012)
  • Vinnie Caruana — guitars (2003)
  • Brandon Arnovick — guitars (2003–2004)
  • Josh "Jarvis" Holden — bass (2003–2009)
  • Larry Gorman — drums (2003–2006)
  • Brandon Reid — drums (2006–2007)
  • Sammy Siegler — drums (2007–2009)
  • Guy Licata — drums (2010)
  • Jim Greer — keyboards (2003–2004)
  • Dan Nakamura — turntables, production (2003–2004)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album details US[30] UK[31]
2004 Decadence
  • Released: 17 August 2004
  • Label: Warner Bros.
  • Format: CD, LP
 169 125
2006 Popaganda
  • Released: 6 June 2006
  • Label: Warner Bros.
  • Format: CD, LP
 69 87

Unreleased

[edit]
  • The Vipen Sessions/Bang! Hon Out! Sessions (2005, Popaganda pre-production)
  • Decadence (May 2004 Production Disc)
  • Tokyo Decadence (February 2004 Production Disc)
  • Westworld (Demo) (2003)
  • Rough Demo (Demo) (2003)
  • Swan Damage

EPs

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
  • "Brooklyn Is Burning"
  • "Beating Heart Baby" – UK No. 44[32]
  • "At the Speed of a Yellow Bullet"
  • "Please Please Please (Young Hollywood)"
  • "Graduation Day"
  • "Lying Through Your Teeth"
  • "Annulment"

Music videos

[edit]
  • "Brooklyn Is Burning" (2004)[33]
  • "Beating Heart Baby" (2005)[34]
  • "The Razor" (2005?) (unreleased, unfinished edit can be found on YouTube)[35]
  • "Beating Heart Baby" (Chris Lord-Alge mix) (2006)[36]
  • "Graduation Day" (2006)[37]
  • "Lying Through Your Teeth" (2006)[38]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Head Automatica

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Head Automatica is an American electronic rock band formed in 2004 in , New York, by vocalist —best known as the frontman of the post-hardcore group —and producer Dan the Automator (Dan Nakamura), renowned for his work with and . The project blends punk energy, electronic elements, and new wave influences, creating a distinctive sound that marked a departure from Palumbo's heavier roots. The band's debut album, , was released in August 2004 via Warner Bros. Records, featuring production by and showcasing a mix of synth-driven tracks and rock instrumentation; it included singles like "Brooklyn Is Burning" and "Please Please Please (Young Hollywood)." Following the album's release, Head Automatica assembled a live lineup including drummer Larry Gorman (also of ), bassist Jarvis Morgan Holden (ex-Give Up the Ghost), guitarist Craig Bonich, and keyboardist , who replaced the original collaborators The Rondo Brothers. The band toured extensively with acts such as and , though Palumbo's ongoing battle with led to some cancellations. Their second album, Popaganda, arrived in June 2006, produced by and shifting toward a more guitar-oriented, late-1970s pop-rock style, with hits like "Beating Heart Baby" gaining radio play. After Popaganda, the band went on hiatus amid lineup changes and Palumbo's health challenges, with no further releases until their resurgence in the 2020s. Head Automatica reunited for festival appearances starting in 2023, including Furnace Fest, and marked their return with the moody single "Bear The Cross" in May 2024—their first new music in nearly two decades. In February 2025, they followed with "Annulment," signaling potential for more output, while announcing a fall tour with support from A Lot Like Birds and Mella, alongside stops at events like the Great South Bay Music Festival in July 2025. This revival has reintroduced the band's high-energy performances to a new generation of fans.

History

Formation and early releases (2003–2004)

Head Automatica was formed in 2003 by , the lead vocalist of the band , as a allowing him to pursue sounds beyond Glassjaw's intensity. Motivated by his lifelong affinity for and , Palumbo aimed to incorporate melodic, upbeat elements influenced by artists like Squeeze, , and new wave acts, creating a contrast to his main band's style. The band's initial lineup featured Palumbo on vocals, childhood friend Craig Bonich on guitar, on keyboards, Jarvis Morgan Holden—formerly of American Nightmare—on bass, and Larry Gorman, Glassjaw's drummer, on drums. This core group assembled quickly, with Gorman as the first collaborator, reflecting Palumbo's desire for a collaborative outlet rooted in personal connections. In late 2003, Head Automatica signed with Warner Bros. Records, enabling professional production support. Recording for the debut album took place at Vipen Studios in , New York, where the band tracked material efficiently over three sessions, producing around 30 songs from an initial pool of 40. Produced largely by (with exceptions for select tracks by ), Decadence was released on August 17, 2004, via Warner Bros. Records, blending synth-driven hooks with rock energy. Key tracks included "Beating Heart Baby," which became the album's breakout single, gaining traction through alternative radio airplay. Early promotion centered on "Beating Heart Baby" and "The Razor," with the former receiving a music video in 2005 directed to highlight the band's vibrant, danceable aesthetic, while "The Razor" saw limited promotional push including an unreleased video edit. These efforts helped establish Head Automatica's distinct electronic-infused sound in the mid-2000s rock scene.

Breakthrough and touring peak (2004–2006)

Following the momentum from their debut album Decadence, Head Automatica achieved a commercial breakthrough with their sophomore effort, Popaganda, released on June 6, 2006, through Warner Bros. Records. Produced by , the record marked a shift toward a brighter, more polished sound that fused , new wave, and influences, while retaining the band's signature energetic edge. The album debuted at No. 69 on the and No. 3 on the Top Heatseekers chart, signaling the band's growing appeal in the alternative music scene. Key singles from Popaganda included "Graduation Day," which served as the lead track, bolstered by guest vocals from frontman . The song's release was accompanied by a directed by Tony Petrossian, depicting vignettes of high school life and personal transformation, which aired on and Fuse to promote the album's themes of youth and rebellion. Another track, "Nowhere Fast," received radio play and helped expand the album's reach. International promotion included a single release for "Graduation Day" and European editions of the album, aiding the band's visibility beyond . The period from 2004 to 2006 represented Head Automatica's touring peak, with extensive live activity that solidified their live reputation. In late 2004, the band supported on the "" tour alongside acts like The Bled and , exposing them to larger audiences. By 2005, they performed at major festivals, including the in , , and headlined their own shows across the and , often sharing bills with emerging peers. However, internal challenges arose due to frontman Daryl Palumbo's ongoing struggles with , a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that led to the cancellation of several dates, including support slots in 2005, forcing the band to prioritize his health amid their rising profile.

Swan Damage recording and hiatus (2007–2013)

Following the success of Popaganda, Head Automatica began work on their third studio album, tentatively titled Swan Damage, in late 2007. The recording process was protracted and experimental, spanning approximately 1.5 to 2 years and conducted in a piecemeal fashion with various session musicians rather than a fixed band lineup. Frontman collaborated with notable contributors, including horn players and Albert Wing—former sidemen of —and bassist Anthony Roman from Garden Variety and Radio 4, aiming to push the band's sound into more ambitious art-rock territory with intricate arrangements and diverse instrumentation. The project blended electronic elements with rock, drawing on Zappa-esque complexity, but lacked a singular producer; instead, it involved multiple hands, including Jason Lader for primary production and additional input from the duo known as The Brothers. Lineup shifts marked this period, reflecting the band's fluid nature amid recording and touring demands. Drummer , a veteran of scenes, joined during the Popaganda touring cycle around 2007, bringing a high-energy percussion style to the group. Original Jarvis Morgan Holden departed in 2010, replaced by Richard Penzone on bass, who also contributed to the album's sessions. Keyboardist remained part of the core touring unit through this era, alongside guitarist Craig Bonich. These changes allowed for greater experimentation but highlighted the project's instability. By 2009, Swan Damage was largely completed, with Palumbo announcing its finish via social media, but Warner Bros. Records ultimately shelved the album amid label restructuring and creative clashes. Executives favored more radio-friendly "hits" similar to earlier singles like "Beating Heart Baby," rejecting the record's unconventional vision, which Palumbo described as a bold departure that the label deemed too risky. Palumbo regained the masters as part of his exit from the label but faced ongoing contractual hurdles that prevented release; the files, stored under his bed for years, remain unreleased in studio form, though live performances of several tracks from the sessions surfaced online via fan-recorded videos. No formal fan campaigns for its release are documented, though the project's cult status persisted among devotees. From 2008 to 2012, Head Automatica's activity dwindled to sporadic live appearances, including a brief string of U.S. shows in July 2009 to mark the album's completion and a UK tour in August 2012 featuring selections from the shelved material. Palumbo, grappling with the fallout, shifted focus to side endeavors, composing music for film trailers and avant-garde projects while producing for other artists. In 2012, he formed the duo Color Film with Penzone, channeling similar experimental energies into new compositions that effectively signaled the end of Head Automatica's active phase. The band entered an indefinite hiatus that year, with Palumbo later reflecting on it as a deliberate "washing of the slate clean" to move forward.

Reunion and new era (2023–present)

On December 15, 2022, Head Automatica announced their reunion for a performance at 2023, spurred by fan campaigns celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album . The band's return was driven by sustained interest in their early 2000s catalog, which blended new wave, , and rock, ultimately leading to their first live shows in over a decade. The reformed lineup consists of vocalist , guitarist Craig Bonich, bassist Richard Flesh, drummer Chad Hasty, and electronics player Eric Mitchell. In fall 2023, Head Automatica launched a U.S. headlining tour spanning September to October, including stops in , , and New York, alongside festival appearances such as on September 23 in , and Sad Summer Fest. Building on this momentum, the band released their first new music in nearly two decades with the single "Bear The Cross" on May 17, 2024, followed by "" on February 14, 2025. "," initially debuted live as "Together" during their May 29, 2024, show at —their first performance in 14 years—features an evolved sound with intricate electronic elements and dynamic production. From 2024 to 2025, Head Automatica continued touring with key performances, including dates at Festival in May 2024 and their hometown show at The Paramount in , in October 2023. In July 2025, they opened the main stage at Music Festival in , delivering a set of classics like "Beating Heart Baby" alongside new material. The band headlined a fall U.S. tour in 2025 supported by and Mella, with additional appearances at Kill Iconic Fest in in October and the revived in November, including a performance in Orlando on November 16. Frontman has indicated that new music remains a priority, signaling ongoing creative output beyond the recent singles.

Musical style and influences

Genre evolution

Head Automatica has maintained a core style fusing and , characterized by synth-driven hooks, punk-infused energy, and danceable rhythms throughout their career. This blend draws from electronic production techniques to create layered, hook-laden tracks that balance rock aggression with pop accessibility, often featuring Daryl Palumbo's soaring, emotive vocals as a central element. The band's sound emphasizes rhythmic propulsion and electronic textures, setting it apart in the mid-2000s alternative scene. The band's debut era, exemplified by their 2004 output, leaned into new wave and influences, incorporating synth-heavy dance elements, grit, and flair for a vibrant, genre-defying fusion. By 2006, their style evolved toward a funkier, more polished sheen under producer , amplifying the electronic-rock hybrid with tighter, radio-friendly arrangements while retaining experimental edges. This period refined the debut's raw energy into a more accessible form, emphasizing catchy synth lines and upbeat rhythms without losing the punk undercurrent, drawing on influences like Squeeze and . During the late 2000s recording sessions for what became the unreleased Swan Damage, Head Automatica's sound shifted to a darker, more experimental territory, incorporating edgier electro elements, funky synths, and intensified production for a brooding twist on their pop-rock foundation. Palumbo described this phase as featuring "good old pop-sounding shit and some really amazing, funky synths," marking a departure toward moodier, layered that heightened the band's thematic exploration of youth, excess, and relationships. In their 2023 reunion and subsequent 2024–2025 singles like "Bear The Cross" and "Annulment," Head Automatica integrated modern production techniques, blending retro synth-pop with alternative rock for a fresh evolution. "Bear The Cross" introduces moody trip-hop beats and industrial guitar accents, evoking a gothy, '00s-inspired atmosphere with slinky vocals over pulsating rhythms. "Annulment" pushes further into sensual synth-pop with jittery electronics and intense, open-throated delivery, maintaining signature layered elements while advancing the mood and texture. Palumbo noted these tracks as a "logical and unexpected evolution," preserving the band's electronic-rock essence amid contemporary refinements.

Key influences and themes

Head Automatica's sound was shaped by a blend of new wave influences, drawing from acts like Blur and Pulp, allowing frontman to explore melodic, genre-blending pop structures that contrasted with his roots in . The project also drew from acts like Blur and Pulp, allowing frontman to explore melodic, genre-blending pop structures that contrasted with his roots in . Additionally, electronic and dance influences from groups like contributed to the upbeat, club-oriented energy in their early output. Lyrically, Head Automatica's debut album Decadence (2004) centered on themes of hedonism and urban nightlife, capturing the excesses and vibrancy of city escapism through tracks that evoke partying and fleeting pleasures. Later material, such as the 2006 album Popaganda, shifted toward introspection on personal struggles and the pressures of fame, reflecting Palumbo's evolving perspective amid his career's highs and lows. In their 2023 reunion era, songs like "Bear the Cross" address resilience and the emotional weight of reunion, emphasizing perseverance after years of hiatus. Songwriting in Head Automatica often involved collaboration between Palumbo's melodic hooks and Craig Bonich's riff-driven contributions, as seen in the hit "Beating Heart Baby," where Bonich's co-writing added a punchy, power-pop edge to the track's infectious chorus.

Personnel

Current members

The current lineup of Head Automatica, reformed in 2023, consists of four core instrumentalists supporting frontman in their ongoing reunion activities, including new music releases and extensive touring through 2025. Daryl Palumbo serves as lead vocals and primary songwriter, having founded the band in 2003 and remaining its creative driving force throughout the hiatus and return. Craig Bonich plays guitar and contributes as a co-writer, notably on the hit "Beating Heart Baby," and rejoined as an original member for the 2023 reunion to recapture the band's early energy in live performances and recent tracks. Richard (aka Richard Penzone) handles bass (2010–2012, 2023–present), rejoining for the reunion to provide the rhythmic foundation that underpins the group's blend of and in new material like "Bear the Cross." Chad Hasty (of ) performs on drums, bringing a punk-infused drive that enhances the intensity of the band's 2025 festival appearances and tour sets. Eric Mitchell contributes electronics and keyboards, managing the synth elements integral to the band's modern productions and collaborating on mixing for reunion-era singles.

Former members

Jessie Nelson joined Head Automatica as the keyboardist and backing vocalist in 2004, following the release of the band's debut EP Decadence, and remained with the group until 2007. He played a key role in developing the band's electronic-infused rock sound on the 2006 album Popaganda, contributing keyboards and additional vocals to tracks that emphasized the group's dance-punk elements. Jarvis Morgan Holden served as the bassist from the band's formation in 2003 until 2006. He performed on the Decadence EP and the full-length Popaganda, providing the rhythmic foundation for early live shows and tours promoting the latter album. Larry Gorman was the original drummer, active from 2003 to 2006. He contributed to the recording of Decadence and handled percussion for the band's initial live performances, helping establish their high-energy stage presence before departing amid reported internal tensions. Sammy Siegler replaced Gorman on drums, serving from 2007 to 2012. Known for his work in the scene, Siegler participated in the and sessions for the band's unreleased third album Swan Damage, bringing a punk-influenced intensity to the evolving lineup.

Discography

Studio albums

Head Automatica's debut studio album, Decadence, was released on August 17, 2004, through Warner Bros. Records. The album consists of 11 tracks blending , , and hip-hop influences, produced primarily by with additional contributions from . Key tracks include singles "Brooklyn Is Burning" and "Beating Heart Baby," the latter receiving significant radio play, alongside "At the Speed of a Yellow Bullet." The full track listing is as follows:
No.TitleLength
1At the Speed of a Yellow Bullet2:14
2 Is Burning3:54
3Beating Heart Baby3:23
4Please Please Please (Young Hollywood)3:25
5King Caesar3:14
6The Razor3:18
7Nowhere3:08
8Solid Gold3:22
9All of Everything3:11
103:07
11K Horse4:00
Commercially, Decadence peaked at No. 169 on the , marking the band's entry into mainstream recognition, though it did not achieve . The album's reception highlighted its innovative genre fusion, earning positive reviews for Daryl Palumbo's versatile vocals and the production's energetic mix. The band's second studio album, Popaganda, followed on June 6, 2006, also via Warner Bros. Records, produced by . The U.S. version features 14 tracks, expanding on the and elements of the debut while incorporating more satirical lyrics and crossover appeal aimed at broader audiences. Notable tracks include "Graduation Day," "," and "Lying Through Your Teeth," with the album noted for its radio-friendly hooks. The track listing for the U.S. edition is:
No.TitleLength
1Graduation Day3:42
2Laughing at You2:45
3Lying Through Your Teeth3:29
4Nowhere Fast3:00
54:10
6Curious2:34
73:10
8Shot in the Back (The )3:47
9She's Not It3:28
10Egyptian Musk3:28
11Cannibal Girl3:32
12K.Horse3:29
13Million Dollar Decision3:10
14Beating Heart Baby (Chris Lord-Alge )3:23
Popaganda peaked at No. 69 on the , reflecting improved commercial performance and its appeal to listeners. Critics praised its polished production and energetic tracks, though some noted a shift toward more conventional rock structures. Head Automatica's third studio album, Swan Damage, was recorded between 2007 and 2009 but shelved due to label disputes with and never officially released. The planned 10-track album represented a darker, more experimental evolution, featuring raw electronic and rock elements performed live during the band's hiatus tours. Tracks such as "It's a ," "Cute Police," and "The End of Heat" were debuted in setlists, emphasizing themes of disillusionment. Due to its non-release, no official track listing was distributed, and it did not chart commercially, though fan compilations from live performances have circulated. The album's reception has been retrospective, with praise for its unpolished intensity among dedicated followers.

Extended plays

Head Automatica released their first extended play, Beating Heart Baby EP, on October 4, 2005, through Warner Bros. Records as a promotional digital release. The EP consists of four tracks, all remixes of the band's breakthrough single "Beating Heart Baby" from their debut album Decadence: the El-P Remix, Chris Lord-Alge Mix, DTC Jungle Mix, and Mr. Mig Remix, spanning approximately 18 minutes in total. This release served to promote the single's radio and digital push, featuring electronic and alternative production variations that highlighted the band's dance-punk hybrid style, with no original B-sides included. The promotional Pop Rocks EP was released on April 6, 2006, featuring four tracks from the upcoming album Popaganda: "Graduation Day," "God," "Nowhere Fast," and "Laughing at You." It served as a preview ahead of the album's release. In 2008, unofficial leaked demos from early sessions for the shelved album Swan Damage surfaced online, comprising five experimental tracks that diverged from the band's earlier pop-infused sound toward darker, more atmospheric electronic elements. Tracks including rough demos like "Tip Your Hooker" focused on innovative production techniques involving synthesizers and glitchy beats, though they were never officially released due to ongoing label disputes. The leak provided fans with a glimpse of Head Automatica's evolving direction, tying loosely to themes explored in Decadence but emphasizing raw, unrestrained experimentation.

Singles

Head Automatica's singles discography features a mix of promotional releases from their early albums and standalone tracks following their 2023 reunion, primarily distributed in digital formats with some physical editions tied to album reissues. The band's breakthrough single "Beating Heart Baby" achieved significant airplay success. Early promotional singles supported the 2004 debut album Decadence. "Brooklyn Is Burning," released in 2004, introduced the band's sound. "Beating Heart Baby," released in 2005, peaked at No. 13 on the US Alternative Airplay chart and No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart, establishing the band's new wave-influenced sound. "The Razor," also from 2004, served as a radio and promotional single, featuring an unreleased music video edit that highlighted its energetic punk elements, though it did not chart prominently. "Candy Warhol," issued in 2005 as a digital single, drew from non-album material and emphasized the band's pop sensibilities, available initially as a standalone track. From the 2006 album Popaganda, "Graduation Day" was released as the , gaining traction through its nostalgic, high-school-themed video. It was issued in digital and two-track formats in the UK. Following the band's reunion, "Bear The Cross" debuted in May 2024 as their first original material in 18 years, released digitally via platforms like and , where it garnered initial streams through fan-driven plays and live debuts during reunion shows. The moody, industrial track was produced by frontman and Richard Flesh, emphasizing a darker evolution in their style. In 2025, "Annulment" followed as a digital single, featuring sultry beats and extended runtime, with early streams boosted by performances on the band's 2025 tour dates, including . Many early singles have been reissued in vinyl formats as part of anniversary editions for Decadence and Popaganda, including 180-gram remastered pressings that bundle tracks like "Beating Heart Baby" and "Graduation Day" for collectors.
TitleYearAlbum AssociationPeak Chart PositionFormats
Brooklyn Is Burning2004DecadenceN/ADigital, Promo, Vinyl
Beating Heart Baby2005DecadenceUS Alternative #13; UK #44Digital, CD, Vinyl reissue
The Razor2004DecadenceN/ADigital, Promo
Candy Warhol2005Non-albumN/ADigital
Graduation Day2006PopagandaN/ADigital, CD
Bear The Cross2024StandaloneN/ADigital
Annulment2025StandaloneN/ADigital

References

  1. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/head-automatica/5378561
  2. https://www.discogs.com/artist/234909-Head-Automatica
  3. https://lambgoat.com/music/Daryl-Palumbo
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  5. https://themosh.net/head-automatica-fall-tour-2025-a-lot-like-birds-mella/
  6. https://ftcrecord.com/head-automatica-revs-up-opening-the-main-stage-at-great-south-bay-music-festival/
  7. https://lambgoat.com/features/interviews/54/glassjaw-head-automatica-interview
  8. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/head-automatica-mn0000581736
  9. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/head-automatica
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/1200115-Head-Automatica-Decadence
  11. https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/27418/all
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7265948/
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFuL_HN6ESY
  14. https://www.allmusic.com/album/popaganda-mw0000425818
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/1342763-Head-Automatica-Popaganda
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  17. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/2000s/2006/RR-2006-06-23.pdf
  18. https://imvdb.com/video/head-automatica/graduation-day
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/20633242-Head-Automatica-Graduation-Day
  20. http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=10059
  21. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/download-festival-2005
  22. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/head_automatica_cancellation.html
  23. https://www.altpress.com/daryl-palumbo-head-automatica-swan-damage-interview/
  24. https://colorsofinsomnia.substack.com/p/coi014-a-jackknife-to-a-swan
  25. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/head-automatica
  26. https://www.theprp.com/2020/06/22/news/daryl-palumbo-glassjaw-speaks-on-the-shelved-head-automatica-album-swan-damage/
  27. https://www.kerrang.com/daryl-palumbo-on-the-status-of-head-automatica-i-havent-really-talked-to-those-guys-in-a-minute
  28. https://www.kerrang.com/how-head-automatica-killed-the-concept-of-genre
  29. https://www.theprp.com/2022/12/15/news/glassjaws-daryl-palumbo-to-resurrect-head-automatica-for-live-return-at-2023-furnace-fest/
  30. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/head-automatica-reuniting-for-first-time-in-10-years-playing-furnace-fest/
  31. https://www.antimusic.com/news/24/0518head_automatica_returns_with_first_new_song_since_2006.shtml
  32. https://greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com/project/10388/
  33. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/head-automatica-tour-dates-tickets-on-sale/
  34. https://loudwire.com/furnace-fest-full-2023-lineup/
  35. https://www.jambase.com/festival/furnace-fest-2023
  36. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/head-automatica-go-industrial-on-first-song-in-18-years-bear-the-cross/
  37. https://lambgoat.com/news/42770/head-automatica-release-first-new-song-bear-the-cross-since-2006
  38. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/head-automatica-officially-release-annulment-added-to-warped-tour/
  39. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/head-automatica-announce-first-nyc-show-in-14-years-long-island/
  40. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/glassjaw-side-project-head-automaticas-first-nyc-show-14-years-see-photos/
  41. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/head-automatica/2025/shorefront-park-patchogue-ny-b5b213e.html
  42. https://idobi.com/news/warped-tour-lineup-dewayne-head-automatica-more/
  43. https://theconcertchronicles.com/2025/07/25/an-annulment-reversed-this-is-head-automatica-decadence-two-decades-resurged/
  44. https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-head-automaticas-first-new-music-since-2006-with-prowling-new-single-bear-the-cross-3757495
  45. https://www.stereogum.com/2264152/head-automatica-share-bear-the-cross-first-new-song-in-18-years/music/
  46. https://www.rocksound.tv/news/head-automatica-return-with-sultry-single-annulment
  47. https://www.kerrang.com/listen-to-head-automaticas-first-new-single-since-2006-daryl-palumbo-slam-dunk-festival-bear-the-cross
  48. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/head-automatica-packs-a-pop-punch-85330/
  49. https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-guitarists-born-in-new-york/reference?page=2
  50. https://www.noecho.net/features/head-automatica-bear-the-cross
  51. https://www.headautomatica.net/personnel
  52. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/neroflesh-prep-debut-lp-watch-the-sayings-in-slow-motion-video/
  53. https://www.spin.com/2006/06/head-automatica/
  54. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/larry-gorman-mn0000192757
  55. https://www.punknews.org/article/20417/head-automatica-and-larry-gorman-part-ways
  56. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sammy-siegler-mn0000856353
  57. https://www.discogs.com/master/183318-Head-Automatica-Decadence
  58. https://www.allmusic.com/album/decadence-mw0000634307
  59. https://music.apple.com/us/album/decadence/20005337
  60. https://www.discogs.com/master/279893-Head-Automatica-Popaganda
  61. https://open.spotify.com/album/6vdKBEfGVskD7PM16Sn31Q
  62. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/head-automatica-popaganda-58186/
  63. https://music.apple.com/us/album/beating-heart-baby-ep/80814129
  64. https://www.whosampled.com/album/Head-Automatica/Beating-Heart-Baby/
  65. https://www.discogs.com/master/470252-Head-Automatica-Beating-Heart-Baby
  66. https://longislandmusicscene.fandom.com/wiki/Head_Automatica
  67. https://www.musicvf.com/Head%2BAutomatica.songs
  68. https://www.discogs.com/release/8023141-Head-Automatica-Brooklyn-Is-Burning
  69. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/head-automatica-beating-heart-baby/
  70. https://music.apple.com/us/album/candy-warhol-single/74214486
  71. https://music.apple.com/us/album/bear-the-cross-single/1745358314
  72. https://genius.com/Head-automatica-bear-the-cross-lyrics
  73. https://music.apple.com/ph/album/annulment-single/1774519141
  74. https://www.headautomatica.net/live
  75. https://www.discogs.com/release/4141480-Head-Automatica-Decadence
  76. https://chorus.fm/news/head-automatica-coming-to-vinyl/
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