I love surprises. Good ones, at that. Not the kind that makes one embellish a forced beam across the face. I’m mean genuine delight. This is what I felt when first seeing The Machine Room support Jesus.H.Foxx at the last Sick Note, at Edinburgh’s dearly departed Cabaret Voltaire.
It took me several minutes to realise who this band was. I had heard them being mentioned by various music-lovers, and promoters, but had never taken the time to listen to their music (as is the unfortunate typical case). So, to first hear them LIVE was, and at the risk of sounding like an ’emo-hipster-ball gusling-sook’, spellbinding. Deliciously apt, as they describe their sound as ‘bewitching pop musings’. It was a bitter sweet ending to a beloved venue in which my teenage years flourished. But that night I was smitten and I could not be swayed from this enthralling performance.
And so onwards to the 3rd of March, where I find myself elated at the thought of seeing The Machine Room again; however this
time for their own show, their ‘Love From A Distance’ EP launch at the shabby-chic Wee Red. Support to this glorious 5-piece, comes from Edinburgh’s Blank Canvas, and Zed Penguin. A very fine line up, indeed.
Upon entering the venue, the place is a swarm of fans and friends. ‘Love From A Distance’ cover art is projected onto the backdrop, while pastel pink balloons spring from amps and stands darted around the band’s set. The band maneuver around one another for final prep, as the crowd shuffle closer ever so slightly. As lead singer, John Bryden takes mic in hand, his face is alight with a cheeky grin, as if a child being discovered stealing sweets. With the rest of the band poised, they break into their first song, ‘Monopoly Bills’, followed by ‘Sweden’. (New and wonderful to me). But it is the blissful getaway which is the song ‘Your Head On The Floor Next Door’, which leaves a soft sting. Lead guitarist, Ryan Marinello, dedicates this to the one and only Stephen Donkin (vocalist of Birdhead), but after some heckling, quickly takes it back and dedicates it to everyone in the room besides Stephen Donkin.
“Give up, give up. Forgive, forget. I’m still losing you, I’m always losing you”, a missed opportunity perhaps, or person… “I’m trying to avoid all the things that remind of you so greatly”. A sweet tribute to the things one cannot change. There is a lot of love for this song and band. Everyone is moved and I find myself singing the words. JP Mason (booker of Electric Circus) demonstrates his adoration by mimicking the dance moves of Bryden from their music video.
After which, the band takes time to announce that Tom (keyboard, vocalist) is leaving, and they gift him with champagne which Tom pops open into the crowd. They continue with ‘Lose a Friend’, and ‘Hands and Tongues’, then the weighty ‘Picking Holes’, which is the last song featured on their EP. More muscle and back bone is here. Lulling vocals matched with deep bass, and drums, brings some bad boy grunge to the night. Songs, ‘Persistent Suitor’, and favourite (it’s the cow bell song!)- ‘Camino de Soda” follow suit. Ending the night is the song ‘Chances’. All warmly received, not just by friends and fans, but by peers also.
Another success, and a hint of what is still to come for this band. They encourage us to stay, dance and make merry for The Egg, the Wee Red’s gem of a club night. The room is a buzz from The Machine Room’s performance and as the night progresses, turns out to be rather messy…The Wee Red most certainly harbours some secrets.
“We all enjoyed ourselves and it felt like a success with there being plenty folk who had some really kind words for us during and after. We kind of formed there (Wee Red) as it’s where John and I met years ago and we met Tom through a friend there at a club night and hold the place pretty dear to us. I really hope that The Wee Red doesn’t face any problems as it is more crucial now than ever with it possibly being the only legendary underground live music venue left in the city.”- Marinello.
Words I couldn’t agree with more. From first seeing this band in a beloved venue now closed, to seeing them in a venue that was rumoured to also be closing, it seems as if some of the greats are slipping away. What better way to immortalise them with outstanding gigs, and phenomenal music.
http://the-machine-room.bandcamp.com
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