Review Summary: Of Machines arrive off the radar to release an impressive, technically proficient debut.
Of Machines, a band who arrived off the radar onto the Rise Records’ roster have introduced their spacey interpretation of post hardcore to the world on their debut full length “As If Everything Was Held In Place”. Bringing fresh ideas to the table, innovation is something rarely embraced by bands these days as they look to cash in on current fads looking to make a quick buck. Rise Records, previously guilty of signing these clone like single note breakdown wielding bands sometimes, manage to pick out a diamond in the rough and they seem to have found their gem among a stale generation of new post hardcore bands.
A build up of hype prior to the album’s release ensued as their posted myspace tracks turned the heads of many, this may in turn have ran people’s expectations unrealistically high for what is a youthful band which has a lot of developing to do.
The record itself has a spacey feel to it boosted by the band’s flirtation with electronics throughout. The guitars are fabulously atmospheric with the lead guitarist showing off an array of technical abilities whether that be through jittering tremolos or picking beautiful melodies above the more predictable heavy rhythms we recognise from modern post hardcore and metalcore bands. Hear “Becoming Closer To Closure” which is a prime example of an effective fast picked melodic lead. He clearly has a tendency to experiment and there are hints of post rock in his riffing at some points during the record. It gives an almost ambient feel at points.
Upon the first listen one is greeted by the bands selling point, the usual dual vocalists are present only the clean vocalist possesses a range so unbelievable, his soaring vocals light up the album. They are delivered with such passion and can be heard in all glory in the album closer, “An Autobiography In Vivid Color Part 1” as the track begins purely with an electronically driven slow pace and builds up to an epic end as the singer squeezes out such highs it is almost screamed. During this final onslaught the drummer makes good use of his double bass pedal and is given license to thrash away on his kit.
There are a number of hazy passages breaking up the barrage of noise where the pace is reduced and the listener is greeted with more serene instrumentals, “Sailing Around The Room” is a good example of this change of direction showcasing the band's talent in its songwriting. Almost two minutes of pure instrumental is followed by the singer and screamer howling out another huge dual vocal to end the song.
While this album is truly excellent it isn’t devoid of imperfections, people can argue until they are blue in the face about how legitimate their innovation is. I personally am a believer they have done something relatively new. The bassist is barely audible unfortunately as the album is hugely guitar driven as spoken about, it could also be argued the electronica laden passages which are present from start to finish sound similar and sometimes become a little repetitive. There are aspects of this record that are predictable, the screamed vocals are very standard but add variation nicely and the sometimes chugging rhythm has a familiar feel. A gripe some listeners may also suffer with is the singer’s tendency to stretch his voice to the limit and sometimes beyond its limit meaning some of his vocals can sound like a screech.
However it must be recognised that in a state post hardcore is currently, besides only the recognised powerhouses Thrice/Brand New there are few bands that are willing to step out the dark and try something different and it must be noted that an attempt is made particularly with the lead guitarist’s instrumentation throughout.
Recommended songs:
An Autobiography In Vivid Color Part one
Becoming Closer To Closure
Things Too Visable To See
Sailing Around The Room
