Secret Machines

Secret Machines

[2.5/5]

New York City-based band Secret Machines were presumably reeling from two unfortunate losses when they recorded this, their third full-length. First, the departure of vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Curtis (the brother of singer/bassist/keyboardist Brandon) in early 2007 left a void in the trio’s prog-laden, spacey rock songs that have previously meandered just far enough to not lose their listener. Secondly, the group parted ways with major label Reprise Records, the host of the band’s two prior albums that were marginally commercially successful but incredibly innovative. Secret Machines is a bit of a misstep, failing keep their languid, explorative tracks from growing dull. The group, now with Phil Karnats on guitar, occasionally hit the nail on the head (see the memorable “Now You’re Gone”), but the events preceding this release seem to have adversely affected its final outcome. (WORLD’S FAIR) Emily Zemler