Words by Johnny images from Curtis McCarte, Bob Bell and Graham Hunt
It’s always a great pleasure to get a message from a band asking me to review some of their work, a band I have seen once, on this occasion, at Rebellion this year. I think it was the first band of the weekend, looking at the programme, I see Machiner listed as playing in the Opera House. Tootling down to the venue and seeing not so many punters, I was a tad concerned of what I was about to see and hear. Massive stage, 4 chaps, instruments and ready to go. As soon as they started ya just knew this was gonna be good. As I have said, I had no idea who they were, never heard em, or even heard of them, that earlier concern was soon dispelled. A tight knit outfit, clever chords reeling in the vocals. Interesting use of synth to blend the music together. Sometimes dark, always atmospheric vibe to the music. Hard to give them a label, but if pushed, bordering on light goth, if theres such a thing. If I were to make comparisons, I would put them somewhere between Sisters of Mercy and The Chameleons with a touch of Killing Joke thrown in for good measure, at the same time keeping their own style of play. This was a short set, as is the case at Rebellion for most bands, but a set that left an impression on me. The lads clearly have a skill set that they use to great effect. As the set moved on, a few more punters came in which was good to see, bearing in mind this wasn’t exactly punk in the purest form. On leaving after the set, I overheard a number people praising the band, one person asking “why haven’t they played here before”. These kinds of comments always bring a smile to my face, as this ol scene of ours is a diverse one, and it’s always good to hear new bands making an impact, large or small, especially at the world’s biggest and best major punk festival where judgements are often made, for the right reasons are made.
A little bit about the band then, Paul McCarte – Vocals, Guitars, Orchestration, Keyboard & Rhythm Programming. Nick Crozier – Guitar Eddie Rees – Bass. All members hailing from Hartlepool.
The band’s debut release was back in 2022 via Bandcamp, actual gig was at Basecamp in Middlesborough 2 days later. The lads started work on a set of tracks for a 2017 tour, but didn’t in fact have a name for the band until 2022. Paul and Nick had been writing together for some years prior to this project in various other bands, Eddie joining up with them for Demon Summer and now this latest incarnation, Machiner. Paul and the boys have now recorded 12 tracks for their latest album, 2 of the tracks are available, which I will give a short review at the end of this. This album is in the process of being edited and mixed as we speak, with the ball rolling to secure a record deal in order to release the album on vinyl and cd at the earliest opportunity. The album has been recorded at Tower Street Studios in Hartlepool, with Mark Hand doing the post production and mixdown. The band are gigging locally and nationally to raise awareness of their music, Rebellion 2024 being one of them. Upcoming gigs are: – Whitby Goth Festival Saturday November 2nd Goth at The Brewery event (with Deathtrippers & Westenra). The Studio Hartlepool Friday 18th of October (with NEEB).
So, for the time being, the two tracks I have been given are as follows……….
The Between
Opening music is reminiscent of early 80’s synth pop, with soft vocals coming in to lead up to a crescendo of keyboards and fine guitar work. This one track alone takes me right back to Killing Joke early days. The accompanying video sets off a feeling of serenity, with dark yet beautifully soft images, enhanced by the music. This is a track best listened to in a darkened room, with or without the visual imagery of the film work. Lyrically this can be transcribed to a settled and comfortable state of mind, where the listener can drift off to their happy, or even sad place.
The Sound of Disappearing
A more sedate offering this time, with a steady tempo throughout. A totally chilled piece of music, with an undercurrent of darkness, splitting lyrics of light and grey to get the senses working, again accompanied by serene imagery from the video that comes with it. The opening chords clearly on synth, but very alike that of piano strings or even harp.
Two tracks from the forthcoming album which if these are anything to go by, will be a success. When asked to do this review, I was slightly out of my comfort zone where the genre is concerned, but I have to say, this is music to open ya mind, chill and think to. Music that has an impact on your heart and is very easy to listen to. Comparing it to the set at Rebellion, I must say that the Opera House stage was too big and bright for this style of composition, a darker smaller room with the right ambience would set the music off in a more complimenting way. But hey, that’s just my opinion.
There ya go, I wait with baited breath for the finished and release new album, something I eagerly look forward to. Please check out the links below, and if you haven’t these before, give em a looksy, I think you will enjoy, I know I did.
Links:
Machiner
Bandcamp: https://machiner.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/machineruk
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/markhandmusic