Album Name: Asphodel
Artist: The Machine in the Garden
Year/Label: 2002 / Middle Pillar
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
The Machine in the Garden is a duo consisting of Summer Bowman and Roger Frace. The bands music is darkwave influenced but also has a strong dance element to it. “Aspodel” is a very melancholy record, though not in a depressive way. The beauty of Summer Bowman’s voice prevents the gloom from taking over.
“Outside” is sad and dominated by crushing guitars and keyboards.
“Wonderland” is both ethereal and driving. Bowman’s voice is in fine form here.
The piano ballad “Dawn” is a thing of exquisite loveliness. Bowman’s delivery is soft yet focused and the simple melody is a joy to hear. It’s one of the album’s finest moments.
The bands cover of Depeche Mode’s “Photographic” is an individual take on the song that works well. It’s also a good way to end a very accomplished album.
Posted on November 6, 2002
Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Masks
2. Outside
3. Time
4. Wonderland
5. Icarus
6. Ghost
7. Open
8. Clarity
9. Dawn
10. Echo
11. Cry
12. Seek
13. One
14. Photographic
[The Machine in the Garden Official Site]
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