The Secret Machines really just aren't a singles band. This is never going to be a radio smash. It's never going to be in any of those Top 100 Songs Of All Time polls. It's six minutes and forty-six seconds of incredible noise, but it's not about a catchy tune - it's about atmosphere. Anyone who enjoyed their recent album Now Here Is Nowhere is certain to find this a satisfying taster of the follow-up. It's got the same massive, tension-building and sturdy rock sound, but it's even bigger and even better.
The track shimmers and twinkles in as if they might be about to transform in to the Human League, and then the guitars trundle in as if they're carrying the weight of the world on their fretboards. The vocals are largely unnecessary, but the spaced out Southern drawl certainly doesn't ruin a great piece of music. The euphoric 'ah's kick in after about four and a half minutes and it feels like a new day has broken, crisp and fresh with a new sense of hope and optimism.
Perhaps to some it might not sound new enough: Alone, Jealous And Stoned is a fairly predictable progression from where they left off before. But hey, in the case of a band as breathtaking and awesome as the Secret Machines, it seems only fair to let them off. If it's not broke and it sounds as incredible as this, why try to change it?
share: 
