Song of the Day: “Autonomous Delivery Robot” by Grandson
If anti-establishment, alt-news podcasts were an album… this would be it.
Grandson’s third album, Inertia, is an uncompromising declaration of war against systemic decay, solidifying the project’s founder, Jordan Benjamin, as one of alternative rock’s most vital political voices. The lyrical content is a surgical, no-holds-barred takedown of late-stage capitalism, governmental corruption, and technological overreach. Tracks like “BRAINROT” critique media apathy and climate disaster, while “SELF IMMOLATION” tackles systemic violence with unflinching darkness.
Benjamin expertly links the personal to the political… in “YOU MADE ME THIS WAY,” transforms his own history into an indictment of failing social structures. This uncompromising approach, free of hopeful undertones, creates a concentrated soundtrack of collective dissent, fiercely resisting the complacency the album’s title ironically implies.
Musically, the album delivers on its promise of sonic aggression, moving away from past electronic textures toward a heavy, guitar-driven sound akin to if early Linkin Park and Rage Against The Machine gave birth to a sonic love child. This shift is expertly guided by veteran producer Mike Crossey (known for his work with The 1975 and twenty one pilots), ensuring the sound remains polished yet visceral. Also, the sole collaboration with English punk duo Bob Vylan on “WHO’S THE ENEMY?” provides a powerful, unifying moment of transatlantic resistance.
Best in Show: “AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY ROBOT”
For me, the standout track on the record is “AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY ROBOT” because it provides a deep, ironically humorous, and extremely timely critique of a singular modern absurdity (the weaponization of AI and automated industry)—and its Catchy Composition. While delivered as a thrash metal takedown, its high-energy vocal delivery paired with a standout bridge that features Benjamin’s signature punk-rap cadence, makes it the most instantaneous, memorable, and uniquely executed track on an album where every track has something important to say.
Side note: One reason why this track resonated with me specifically is due to a recent trip to Los Angeles where I spent four days in downtown LA and walked everywhere. The entire time I spent walking on the streets I was dodging these stupid robotic coolers. There were Waymo cars on the road as well, but since I wasn’t really driving I didn’t have to deal with those so much. I lived in LA for nearly 25 years before fleeing for greener pastures in 2016, and while there were plenty of cliches about the city that were absolutely justified, never did I think I was on the road to a dystopian hellscape future as much as this most recent trip.
The Song
Spotify:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/song/autonomous-delivery-robot/1815825558
The Album
Spotify:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/inertia/1815825544
The Band
https://grandsonmusic.com/