BLACK SCIENCE

This is my first taste of the Canadian band MACHINES DREAM. A very PINK FLOYD-like sound here but more powerful I'd say. Really good lyrics as well that deal with wars mainly and you really need to read tszirmay's review when it comes to the lyrics here. I like the dark atmosphere that's featured prominently along with the powerful sections but it's all good. Some guest sax really adds to the sound here. The vocalist seem to often sneer, as he sings the lyrics with attitude which isn't surprising given the subject matter. This is a real solid album.

"Armistice Day" is the 1 1/2 minute opener that features a powerful atmosphere as spoken words join in talking about war. "Weimar" opens with a beat but a full sound kicks in quickly along with piano. A calm with reserved vocals before 2 minutes. The chorus that follows has a feel good vibe all the way. The tempo and power increase before 4 1/2 minutes in this instrumental section. A ripping guitar solo starts before 6 minutes. A calm follows with reserved vocals a minute later along with piano, bass and drums. A relaxed guitar solo 8 minutes in as the vocals step aside, nice bass too. Vocals are back late followed by marching styled drums that blend into the next song.

"The Cannons Cry" kicks in heavily rather quickly along with the vocals which have some attitude to them. The heaviness subsides before a minute but it will come and go. Some spoken words before the vocals return followed by more sampled words. An angry tune. "Heavy Water" is by far my favourite but only because it recalls the sound of Kevin Moore on his piano in his band CHROMA KEY. Man I love the sound of this one and it does make me want to spin "Dead Air For Radios" this afternoon. The piano seems relentless and the vocals serious sounding but there's more passion on the chorus. So good! Love the guitar as well along with the bass when the vocals step aside before 6 minutes. Great section! Check out the drum work as well as it's quite dramatic after 7 minutes. The atmosphere rolls in after 8 minutes as it settles right down.

"Airfield On Sunwick" is a more relaxed song with a pleasant sound including vocals. The chorus is commercial sounding though and it reminds me of a band I can't quite put my finger on. I like when the vocals stop 3 minutes in and the bass comes to the fore along with synths as the drums pound. Vocals are back and that earlier sound 4 minutes in. "Black Science" opens with piano as strings join in followed by a powerful sound. It settles back a minute in and the vocals will also join in. There's a dark atmosphere and mood to this one. Some guest sax plays lazily starting before 6 1/2 minutes.

"UXB" is led by the bass and drums early on before it kicks in heavily before a minute. Vocals too and they have an attitude. Synths lead before 3 1/2 minutes then the guitar starts to light it up starting before 4 minutes. Piano only ends it. "Noise To Signal" is my second favourite track on here. Sampled spoken words at first before it kicks in hard rather quickly. A calm with vocals a minute in. "A noise to signal, a signal to noise" he sings. Love it! Nice bass too. Synths lead before 3 minutes then vocals and that powerful sound return. Synths are back after 4 minutes then a calm takes over. Reserved vocals join in just before 5 1/2 minutes as the drums and piano lead. it's building then we get a sax solo after 7 minutes as the vocals stop.

Not perfect by any means in my opinion but a very solid and enjoyable album that checks a lot of boxes for me. I'm so glad I decided to check out this band that is based about a 6 hour drive north of where I live. Highly recommended.