Beautiful Machines' album Bridges delivers dynamic and visceral tracks, adding a new twist to sci-pop and electronic scenes.
Members of San Francisco-based group Beautiful Machines hail from Taiwan, Finland and America. Stef Ku on synth and keys, Veli-Matti Mattila on drums and Conrad Schuman on vocals and guitar make up the trio. Released on July 22, their new album Bridges delivers listeners a highly textural soundscape.
Bridges opens with the sharp, yet fluid “Prototype.” Volume steadily increases throughout the track, drawing back a curtain into the world of Beautiful Machines. While the thread continues in “Million Miles,” listeners are guided through danceable and dark rhythms, layered with catchy lyrics.
“Interference” follows next, presenting an otherworldly sound and reminding listeners how Beautiful Machines earned the sci in their sci-pop label. In a rhythmic upturn, “Real Love” then combines sensual vocals and '80s goth-rock inspired sounds. The video for this first single off of Bridges has a matching feel.
Beautiful Machines - "Real Love" (Official Music Video) from Breakup Records on Vimeo.
“Sunrise Song” followed by “Moonrise” is a noteworthy example of contrasting dynamics present in the album. Though not opposites, these tracks have one theme translated under different lights. The first result is exciting and club-ready, while the second is breathy and entrancing.
High musical density remains throughout Bridges, without leaving listeners feeling exhausted. The resulting danceable, tech-heavy, moody – but not depressing – Bridges has a wide appeal. Beautiful Machines could easily play in a New York goth club one night and a San Francisco festival the next. An Independent Music Award-winning group, this trio is one to keep an eye on.