Review Summary: Missionary position sex for the ear drums.
Of Machines is a post hardcore band that incorporates the normal scream/sing formula, and milk it to create a product that is a thoroughly entertaining from start to end. In other words; Of Machines have created a true work of art in their debut album As If Everything Was Held In Place.
Imagine if
Dance Gavin Dance,
Lower Definition,
Secret and Whisper,
Underoath and
Saosin had crazy sex one night and had a baby. That baby would be Of Machines. They incorporate a variety of vocals and screams well, and make each track a different journey. Their ability to make this flow, and not sound completely horrendous makes this all the more enjoyable.
Their opening track(not including the Introduction)
Things Too Visible To See is a great indicator of the solidness of the album. The track is heavy in the guitar department, sometimes overbearing, the drumming perfectly complements the guitars and bass without being overbearing, and forced. The bass is the accent to the track(and CD), and blends in genuinely to create a flow that feels so right. There are also some incorporated sound effects that add an extra aura to the track. What really makes this a phenomenal opening track are the vocals. Right off the bat the first thing you hear are some very clean screams, followed by some shockingly good clean vocals. The vocal layering in this track, and CD sends chills down your body, and gives you a sense of chaotic beauty.
The most unique track on the CD,
Sailing Around The Room is the forth track(not including the Introduction)on the CD. Close your eyes and put your head down onto the carpet, desk, or wherever you are reading this at. Keeping your eyes closed is a necessity to fully get the simplistic, emotion of this track. You’ll hear some solid, not flashy drumming, guitar, and bass work, building up to something that just made me sit there and appreciate the raw emotion of the song. It kind of makes you feel like you are indeed Sailing Around The Room.
Overall, Of Machines’ debut As If Everything Was Held In Place does exactly the opposite of it’s name. It sends you on a simple, yet emotion filled, action packed ride, filled with above average work in all departments. The only potential thing that might turn some people off is that it’s a very heavy guitar CD, and you might say to yourself “haven’t I heard this riff before.” Seriously though, this is an insanely solid debut from Of Machines. One can only wonder how they’ll progress.
Pros:
Instrumentally above average in every aspect.
Vocals are emotionally charged,
Every track feels like a new experience.
Flawless use of build up.
Cons:
May be a bit guitar heavy for some.
Recommended tracks:
Things Too Visible To See
It Must Belong Somewhere
Reset, Reflect
Sailing Around The Room
As If Everything Was Held In Place.
Becoming Closer To Closure
Lost In Translation
Weaving The Values That Sustain Us
An Autobiography In Vivid Color Pt. 1
