Death Of A Very Good Machine
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
Listen to Death Of A Very Good Machine
Even though they’ve only been a band since January 2019, El Paso’s EEP play music that sounds like they’ve been together for decades, as the quintet weave timeless melody amid an extremely varied outing that’s rooted in shoegaze on this incredible first album.
“Hogar” starts the listen with a sonically engaging wall of sound where pretty, soaring vocals align with the swift melodica that’s dreamy, psychedelic and oozing with an infectious quality, and “Canal” continues the impressive landscape with a darker approach, as ‘80s post-punk nods enter the loud versus quiet dynamics.
At the mid point, “When It Was Over” pushes and pulls with lush, hypnotic tension, while “Outlast You” recruits some early ‘90s alt-rock tendencies that bristles with much intrigue. Though there isn’t a bad tune present, “Breathless” is especially noteworthy with its soothing haze and elegant mystery where a flute even makes an appearance.
Deep into the record, “Can’t Stop Hurting” brings a busy, blurry climate with precise instrumentation, and the aptly titled “Closer” exits the listen soft and surreal, where a minimalist quality makes a maximum impression.
An effort that’s dripping in reverb and fuzz, all five band members sing, too, and with the age of the members spanning up to 24 years and hints of jazz, blues and classic rock, Death Of A Very Good Machine might just be the most eclectic and best debut album of the year.
Travels well with: My Bloody Valentine- Loveless; Swervedriver- I Wasn’t Born To Lose You