Make a Sound

by Autopilot Off

Overview

Autopilot Off's 2002 EP debut did not distinguish itself within the big-label, platinum safety-pin pack. Still, it had some solid hooks and posited the New York combo solidly on the side of (slick, but still...) punk revivalism, as opposed to their peers' penchant for billowy, tear-soaked emo heartache. It's taken a while, but underneath its burnished veneer, Autopilot's 2004 full-length does capitalize on the EP's punkish promise. Punkish, since the only thing grating or controversial about Autopilot Off is the order in which they thank their numerous gear and clothing sponsors. Still, the title track and its rousing follower, "Clockwork," expertly water down punk and hardcore, losing the aggression but keeping the urgent melodic pace and triumphant choruses (especially the latter). And "Blind Truth" and first single "What I Want" -- both co-written with punk mercenary Tim Armstrong -- bind ragged guitars and propulsive percussion to Chris Johnson's syrupy vocals. Throughout, Autopilot and producer Greig Nori (Sum 41) retain a rough enough edge in the instrumentation to ensure Warped Tour cred. But they're also attentive to the success reaped by acts like Jimmy Eat World and Trapt, who co-opted volatility in a play for widespread accessibility. Fans of these groups will love Make a Sound, as there's very little filler. And Autopilot Off deserve some credit for at least sounding like they mean it, particularly on the 9/11 meditation "The 12th Day." It'd be nice to hear them without the protective mass marketing salve, because underneath the slickness there's a talented band trying to get out. ~ Johnny Loftus

Product Details

Release Date:	11/28/2025
Label:	Enjoy The Ride
UPC:	0826853005401

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Autopilot Off   Primary Artist
Greig Nori   Guitar,Guest Artist
Ed Krautner   Piano,Guest Artist
Michael "Elvis" Baskette   Guitar,Guest Artist
Rob Kucharek   Bass
Chris "Houston" Hughes   Guitar
Phil Robinson   Drums
Chris Johnson   Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Chris Johnson   Producer,Composer,Composer
Josh Stern   Video,Web Design,Tour Manager
Andrew Forgash   Photography
Damien Shannon   Assistant
Joe Nicholson   Drum Technician
Zack Roach   Stage Technician
Robert Stevenson   A&R
Autopilot Off   Composer
Dean Nelson   Assistant
Greig Nori   Composer,Producer
Ed Krautner   Engineer,Digital Editing
John Naclerio   Engineer,Producer
Randy Staub   Mixing
Matt Hyde   Engineer,Drum Engineering
Phil Robinson   Composer
Michael "Elvis" Baskette   Engineer
Femio Hernandez   Engineer
Tom Lord-Alge   Mixing
C.J. Buscaglia   Assistant
Gersh   Drum Technician
Howie Weinberg   Mastering
Tim Armstrong   Composer
Zach Blackstone   Assistant
Josh Scott   Live Sound
Roger Lian   Digital Editing
Rob Kucharek   Design,Composer,Layout Design
Steve Chahley   Assistant
Justin Huth   Guitar Technician
Steve Looker   Guitar Technician
Chris "Houston" Hughes   Composer