The Machines We Are – CD Review
Dead and Divine’s 2009 release ‘The Machines We Are‘ (Distort Records) is a truly impressive addition to the world of hardcore and their own discography. The divine team consisting of vocalist Matt Tobin, guitarist Chris Lemasters, bassist Kellan Lindsay, and drummer Kyle Anderson certainly pull no punches on this recording. From the chaotic noise at the beginning of the opening track ‘The Sugar Sickness’ all the way to the experimental dream-like sounds at the end of the album, Dead and Divine brings you on an audio journey through their various musical inspirations reflected song-to-song. If you’ve never had the pleasure of hearing this band before, make no mistake – they are not your average hardcore band. I wouldn’t try to pigeon hole this band to any specific genre, but embrace them as a conglomerate of tastes. They are undeniably heavy though.
Their groovy style of detuned choppy riffs in tracks like ‘Creature’ and ‘Mechanical Orchestra’ are similar to the likes of Turmoil, Every Time I Die, Poison the Well, A Life Once Lost, etc. Yet, the group boasts a more intimate side as well occasionally straying from harder to more melodic parts and emotional vocal lines, as heard in the songs ‘Teeth’ and ‘Lovely Bones’. Although many contemporary hard music acts have attempted the synthesis of aggressive and passive musical elements, Dead and Divine can do it and do it well. The most appealing aspect of ‘The Machines We Are’ is Tobin’s vocal dynamic. His choice of melody and rhythm suits every part featuring his voice.
Tobin’s vocal talent and strength is self-sufficient, and the fact that he can pull it off in studio and live is all the more reason you should be picking up their record and catching them live in concert. The rhythm section of Lindsay and Anderson reflects much musical proficiency and provides a solid foundation for Lemasters’ clear and crushing guitar tone. And if Dead and Divine’s musical prowess hasn’t won you over yet, legendary audio engineer Garth ‘GGGarth’ Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Rise Against, Red Hot Chili Peppers) ensures a flawless mix on this recording, raising this band’s existent developed sound to a new level that rivals their hardcore heavyweight contenders. ‘The Machines We Are’ is one of the best releases I’ve heard this year and will not leave listeners the least bit disappointed. I highly recommend the purchase of this record.
Find on: Amazon | eMusic | iTunes
For more information about Dead and Divine or to find out where they’ll be next, please visit http://www.myspace.com/deadanddivine
