Review Summary: An incredible first album from a relatively unknown band, with nearly every aspect being performed to near perfection.
Of Machines is (or was) a breath of fresh in a scene that is becoming nothing more than pointless breakdowns and mind numbing song titles. Listening to this album its easy to see why their primary influences are Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa.
However, you know a band is great when they surpass their influences (yeah, that's right Emarosa).
The album kicks off with a fairly pointless electronica driven introduction flowing into the albums first and only single, 'Things Too Visible To See'. This song is a perfect representation of the band with its atmospheric electronics and guitar driven song structure.
The standout feature of the album is definitely the dual vocals of Dylan and Bennett, neither of which takes precedence over the other.
All of the other bands members are nothing to be disregarded however, with the drums being above the average band by far and the guitars being both technical and constantly maintaining my interest.
The bands least appealing feature is each songs lyrics which, while not bad, aren't quite at the level at which they are performed.
Throughout the album there are two instrumentals (including the Introduction) both of which are full of programmed electronics and ambient guitars, these additions give the listener a break from the intensity of the rest of the album.
Songs such as 'Becoming Close to Closure', 'Lost in Translation', 'As If Everything Was Held in Place' and 'It Must Belong Somewhere' stand out as being the best on the album featuring both well executed song structures and incredible vocals.
The album closes with 'An Autobiography in Vivid Color Pt 1' which is not the greatest song ever written but the final 3 minutes of the song fit perfectly as an album conclusion being both catchy and melodic.
Of Machines are a band that are well above the other Rise Records artists showing their superiority in every way ranging from vocals to guitars to song titles.
Although OM only released one album before their breakup, the quality of 'As If Everything Was Held In Place' makes it one of the best albums I have ever heard.
Pros
- Excellent Vocals
- Has replay value
- Great Guitar, Drums and Programming
- Interesting artwork and song titles
- Album flows perfectly
Cons
- Some songs may seem repetitive
- Guitars can blend some songs together
