Z Machine (UK) for Eclectic Prog

Z Machine is a jazz-tinged instrumental progressive rock band from Swansea, southwestern Wales. With a mutual passion for progressive music, the friends founded the band in 2021. They held their first gig at Crowley's in Swansea in the summer of 2022. Since then, Z Machine has been tirelessly performing live and has become a kind of underground music attraction. That's why it's not surprising that their debut album is actually a live album, recorded at the Hangar 18 music venue in Swansea. It's a great example of a dissonant, grating style of jazzy prog, containing elements of early Gong and King Crimson, among others, but all with a very contemporary feel. Fantastic live album!

The lineup of Rob Harrison (saxophone), Lester Greenhalgh (drums), Gareth Piper (guitar), Kristian Rees (bass), and Owen Rosser (guitar) released their studio album "Merging Worlds" on September 30, 2023. The music on the album is a hybrid of jazz-rock and heavy-prog elements, incorporating organic sounds to produce a distinctive soundscape.

Z Machine really sounds amazing, and adding a jazz-loving drummer like Lester Greenhalgh adds a subtle touch. Rob Harrison's saxophone work also greatly benefits the group. Kristian Rees' bass is considerable and rhythmic. With plenty of lovely licks throughout the tracks, guitarists Owen Rosse and Gareth Piper really contribute to the rich textures. There is indeed a great deal of flair and talent. It is not surprising that their debut studio album has been critically acclaimed.