Maschine from the UK released a fine debut album “Rubidium” in 2013, followed by silence… and now all of a sudden comes their sophomore album “Naturalis”, a more laid-back and softer output from the band.
Bandleader, guitarist and vocalist Luke Machin, whose also a member of prog rock supergroup The Tangent, is a very talented guitarist and song writer, however he does have his limitations as a singer. Maschine’s music is naturally solid founded in the British prog rock scene with a jazzy edge.
The shake up in the line-up has been done successfully, because the new keyboard player and vocalist Marie-Eve De Gaultier really does a very fine job, and new drummer James Stewart fits right in as well.
“Naturalis” is a natural progress and it has many fine passages and pieces, the craftsmanship is flawless and production is adequate. However it never, ever really crawls under my skin and offers me the little something extra; the special thing that makes you want to go back to this album over and over… it’s solid and has plenty to cheer about and I really like the guitartone on the album as well as the strong performance by Marie-Eve, just listen to her on “Make Believe”.
A solid outing, but unspectacular.
Tracklist:
- Resistance (11:52)
- Night and Day (5:08)
- Make Believe (7:10)
- Hidden in Plain Sight (7:01)
- A New Reality (8:45)
- Megacyma (11:46)
Playing Time: 51:45
Release date: November 18, 2016
Label: InsideOut Music
Website: www.maschineuk.com
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