Machinista - Xenoglossy

It feels like Machinista barely had released their debut EP Arizona Lights before they announced the release of their debut album, 'Xenoglossy' ("... the putative paranormal phenomenon in which a person is able to speak or write a language he or she could not have acquired by natural means..."), but here it is, and no one should be sad about the fact.

As a Swede and proud of our Swedish tradition of synthpop, I gladly welcome Machinista to the hall of fame. 'Xenoglossy' is a solid synthpop album and carry the torch forward, handed over to them from bands come and gone.

In this 11 track album, we recognize "Arizona Lights", "Salvation", "Wasted" and "Pushing The Angels Astray" from the earlier mentioned EP. The last track of the album is a David Bowie cover of "Heroes" and unfortunately, this is the lower point of this album. It's a fun cover, but trying to match the music royalty Bowie was doomed from the beginning and Machinista only manage to do a five finger death punch of doom right in the neck of this beautiful song.

With some simple math, we are down to 6 brand new, non cover, tracks. Luckily, there's things here that make your synthpop ears go yummy-yum-yum. "Take Comfort In Being Sad", "Molecules and Carbon", "Love and Hate Song" and the slower "The Blues And The Reds". Together with most of the tracks taken from the EP, you have something nice to bring home to your family.

However, during the album, I could not escape the feeling that there's more to find in Machnista. Like 'Xenoglossy' is the little pretty white flower on the strawberry plant that later will turn into a sweet summer treat. This album is worth having in your collection, however, watch out, because I have a feeling that the best is yet to come. May 07 2014