The Secret Machines / Ten Silver Drops

Is the anthem rock of U2 given new life in The Secret Machines’ second release Ten Silver Drops? The answer is hazy, as the Machines sometimes masterfully execute 6-minute tracks that slowly build in tempo and intensity and release like a tidal wave finally on its downfall. Specifically, the first two tracks, which in comparison to the rest of the disc are far more masterfully arranged and executed, “Alone, Jealous, and Stoned” and “All At Once (It’s Not Important)” demonstrate an incredible predilection of maintaining even the shortest of attention span through shifting sounds, moods, and stories.

The album begins to fade away, however, by the third or fourth track. The careful building demonstrated earlier is exchanged for empty narratives and melodies that sound too recycled. A glimpse at the lyrics carefully captures the essence. That critical sense of urgency we hear earlier is, well, put off until tomorrow.

Archived article by Elliot Singer
Sun Arts and Entertainment Editor and Jonnie Lieberman
Associate Editor