Machines on Fire

UK rock band, Yellowire, have done significantly well for themselves regarding they formed in 2010 and have so far, toured America, performed at countless festivals, as well as have their songs played on radio stations as far afield as Dubai. Impressive- as is their album.

Ten track debut album, Machines on Fire is indulgent and passionate that swiftly and effortlessly swirls around you, filling the entire room with nothing but warmth and serenity. It captivates, without overpowering- a technique heard very little in music today.  With the uplifting ability to take you as far away from reality as possible, (think classic, American movie, sunny road trip to the middle of nowhere), it will undoubtedly put you at complete ease, even after the most miserable of days.

Ol Beach’s rich, gravelly, vocals are a faultless match to the rough-pitched, stringy drums and folk- tapping melodies. (Now think dark, handsome, rock star with hair healthier looking than yours, driving you to the middle of nowhere...that’s him.) An album you can quite happily leave on repeat for hours whilst getting on with your daily routine. It prides itself in variety and appealing on a range of different levels. Although the diversity is good, it is however, too generic.

The album includes the happy-go-lucky, pop rock tune, Starlife followed by the fast- tempo and rebellious, Machines on Fire. Set You Free is out-of- date, and predictable, that’s energetic, but lacks depth. Then we have the reggae-like and quite frankly, ‘summery’ track, Where is Summer; a curveball that sounds like it was plucked randomly from another album; but nevertheless, hugely enjoyable. Towards the end it becomes slow and reflective; unfortunately resulting in forgetting you even had it playing in the first place.

Machines On Fire isn’t groundbreaking or one of a kind, but that isn’t always vital in a successful album. Yellowire have managed to produce a gracious, cool and gratifying soundtrack. Whether you want to blast it in the car, pop it on as completing your essay or tune out whilst relaxing at the park with a little glass of something- it’s certainly the perfect album if you merely want to lose yourself in some real, feel-good music.