Machine Living In Relief
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
Listen to Machine Living In Relief
The Brooklyn songwriter E.W. Harris returns with his ‘Romantic Dystopia”, where these 6 tracks of folktronic ideas enter his forward thinking, fusion formula.
The upbeat acoustic guitar and strong attention to atmosphere of “Sooner Or Later” opens with playful percussive ideas in a timeless folk climate, and “Chemical Fire” follows with Harris’ storytelling via a campfire-esque setting that’s powerful and soaring.
The middle tracks belong to “The Nail Beside The Door” and “Casual Violence”. The former has Harris hitting some high notes with much emotion, while the latter uses harmonica and a bit of a jangle for the EP’s best.
“Treble Negative” then exits the quick listen with eloquence and well timed backing vocals amid much bare beauty.
A highly creative effort of modern indie-folk that has the capacity to get adventurous, Harris fleshes out a heartfelt experience that’s rooted in some sci-fi themes.
Travels well with: The Davenports- You Could’ve Just Said That; Annie J- Been Loving You