![Hosting the SCLA Casptone Mentor Dinner outside allowed for more attendees on September 27, 2021 at Silver Creek. This event would’ve usually been held inside. According to Lauren Kohn, a SCLA 12 teacher, “If we have a higher number of people, as long as we can host the event outside, then that seems to be keeping every[one] safe”.](https://schsnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sxMAIGbSYGodZkqmrvTi5YWcJ1ssWA08ApkeMLpp-900x675.jpeg)
The Lumineers are one of the most well known and loved Americana bands in the country. This 20-year-old group has just released their newest album, combining their classic folk-rock sound with something new, creating an ‘automatic’ hit.
Though the Lumineers are best known for hits like “Ophelia” (2016), “Ho Hey” (2012), and “Stubborn Love” (2012), the band has released five studio albums since 2012. The band has also collaborated with other artists such as P!nk, Zach Bryan, and James Bay.
The Lumineers have not released an album since 2022, so when the band released their EP “Same Old Song,” fans were overjoyed, hoping an album would soon follow. Less than a month later, the band released the entire album and announced a world tour that started February 28th, 2025.
At a first listen, these eleven songs blend that ‘Lumineers sound’ with a touch of something new, keeping the album consistent but exciting.
The song “Plasticine” uses vivid imagery to dive deeper into the feelings that come with the human experience. The lines “Hidin’ all your pain behind the fog inside your brain and now mixin’ up all our friends and enemies” (0:42), add heart to the song that so many Lumineers fans enjoy. Many feelings are hard to describe in words even though they are universally felt. The Lumineers are good at putting these feelings into words and by doing so, help listeners feel understood.
That being said, the songs are not overwhelmingly sad and can still be an enjoyable listening experience regardless of the mood. The Lumineers have mastered the art of including emotional lyrics and feeling into a song that does not influence the listener’s mood.
Similarly, the Title Track “Automatic” has emotional lyrics that listeners can connect to while providing a timeless melody. This song is a quintessential part of The Lumineers’ discography, bringing a familiar and homey sound.
Adding more dimension to the album are the songs “Strings” and “Sunflowers”. These are short songs that are entirely instrumental. It is different from the music The Lumineers typically put out, but it adds a unique touch to this album, making it stand out and helping break up the monotony of listening to an album in its entirety.
The Lumineers are also known for the band’s lead singer, Wesley Schultz. His distinctive, gravely voice and earthy tone are recognizable anywhere and it brings a sense of comfort to their fans.
The Lumineers are often known for their ‘stomp and holler’ vibe, but you don’t need to be sitting around a campfire to enjoy their music. The band creates a vulnerable sound that can be applicable in any situation. Whether you are in the car, cooking dinner, or hanging out with friends, you can always jam to these songs.
This album has no songs that need to be skipped, but if you want to listen to the highlights, there are a few that you shouldn’t miss. “Same Old Song”, “Automatic”, and “So Long” will give you a feel for what the album is about and cover the different vibes brought throughout the entire album.
This short but sweet album is a lovely mix of a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a new album, this is definitely worth the listen.
