These Dead Machines – So Skywards (2024)
Sometimes the dissolution of one band can lend an “oh, what’s the point” attitude in former members; however, this is not the case with These Dead Machines. About five years ago, just before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold with its lockdowns, singer-songwriter Dan Donald stepped from the dissolution of his previous band Mark of 1000 Evils to a new realm of sound in These Dead Machines. Blending elements of grunge, alternative rock, indie-rock, and some post-punk, the UK-based musician concocted a raw style to be enjoyed by the masses. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘So Skywards’.
Following his well-received single ‘Phantoms’, ‘So Skywards’ retains the heaviness of ‘Phantoms’ but has an eclectic flair slicing some synths into the song. Using a DIY approach to production, you can hear a raw roughness in the melody – a distortion so typical of grunge. Yet, just as the distortion is evident rushing crashing drums past a bold beat with soaring guitars and shimmering keys, the uneven off-kilter chaos unites in a harmonic blend of madness.
Old-school and modern-day, a vintage grunge meets alt-rock sound entwined with contemporary rock creating something wonderfully nostalgic but delightfully fresh. Oddly enough, the mish-mash of frenzied instrumentation whirls you about a sonic hurricane; however, within its frenzy, there is a soothing charm – smooth with These Dead Machines holding your hand and navigating the tumultuous wind.
Melodically, ‘So Skywards’ is intriguing with a mesmerising quality clinging to the edges. For me, however, it is Donald’s vocals that bind everything in a neat bow. A bit off-centre with its obscure ruggedness, you feel a sense of yearning and melancholy in his voice, but this is more complex than you might imagine. Vulnerable longing oozes forth, but it belies a sense of empowerment, hope and strength. These Dead Machines explain:
“’So Skywards’ reminds us how resilient we can be in the most difficult of times. When we struggle, we reach outside ourselves, sometimes literally to the skies for help; but we’re stronger than we realise.”
Find out more about These Dead Machines on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, BlueSky and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecuartor
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