(Music) Secret Machines: "Ten Silver Drops"

A few years ago, a little band names Secret Machines came out of nowhere and drew rave reviews from everywhere for their album "Now Here is Nowhere." They follow it up in 2006 with "Ten Silver Drops," a pretty good album. I say this having heard their first album. I say this having played that album on repeat for weeks. But I also say this as someone who hasn't even touched it since. "Now Here Is Nowhere" was an ambitious album, for sure. With that album, Secret Machines created a sound that was, in all accounts, uniquely them and tapped into the indie rock market like no one could have imagined. "Ten Silver Drops," though not as risky as their first, may very well be a better album.

When you pass this in the record store or your friendly neighborhood Best Buy, try your hardest not to flip the jewel case around and look at the track listing because you may be discouraged that it only has 8 silver drops (tracks). Don't fret, however, every single song on this album attempts to reach epic-proportions and, as a result, only one track clocks in at under 5 minutes.

What I really like about this album is it's un-flenching thirst to rock out. There aren't really any true soft ballads on this album, or anything that will keep your head from bouncing on your way to work. It's a nice change, as "NHIN" really went up and down from track to track. This album is much more focused and solid. At times, you'll probably wonder if you're listening to Secret Machines because the sound is very different from their previous efforts. On "All At Once (It's Not Important)" for example, the lead singer's voice grinds as his emotions flare, breaking from his usually clear throated assertions. Make no mistake, Secret Machines have definitely tried to redefine themselves on this album, and it shows.

In my opinion, the best track on the album is "Daddy's In the Doldrums," an 8 1/2 minute epic rock track with heavy 70's rock influence, straightforward guitar solos, and enough electronic ambience to make you think you were listening to The Flaming Lips. As is usually the case with a Secret Machines song, it slowly builds to its climax, exploding into something that you saw coming, but at the same time didn't expect at all.

Overall, this album is a huge accomplishment for this band. For only thier second album, they have created something that they can build their careers off of. However, with the exception of "Daddy's In the Doldrums" and "I Hate Pretending" there aren't really any songs that you'll remember and be craving more than a year from now. Though they have created a fairly solid album, it is nothing you'll be telling your kids about and nothing to really write home about. If you are a Secret Machines fan, without question pick this album up. You will most likely enjoy it. Personally, I enjoy it much more than "Now Here Is Nowhere" and plan on listening to it until something better comes along.

Recommended for Secret Machines fans and anyone who would like to hear an Indie take on arena rock.

Key Tracks:
1. "All At Once (It's Not Important)"
2. "Daddy's In The Doldrums"
3. "I Hate Pretending"
4. "1,000 Seconds"

3 out of 5 Stars

Category:

• Music