“Music that Humans Can Play” is a breezy collection of up-tempo songs and big melodic hooks. Opener “Born Losers” starts off with thrumming synths that burst into a prismatic spray of musical confetti fit for a roller-rink open skate. Synths carry the blocky arrangement on the angular “Why Do We Dance,” and a jumble of surging electronics powers the rambunctious “Westbound.” Elsewhere, guitars reign: the riff on “Love Is for Fools” is the heart of the track, while speedy fuzz-tone power chords and a bounding bassline form a firm foundation for synthesizers and, for some reason, honking car horns on “Plastic Punx.”
Though the songs on “Music that Humans Can Play” are unfailingly catchy, it’s sometimes tricky to get beneath the surface. It’s possible that’s because there isn’t actually much under the surface of these tunes. That’s not a knock against Autogramm—it actually feels like it’s the point.
The group gives every indication that they’re knocking out music for the sheer fun of it, on songs that are meant for right now. What happens later? Easy: just start “Music that Humans Can Play” again from the top.
The Fat Angel Sings 