Synthetic Breed – This severely, almost criminally underrated Melbourne Industrial metal band’s debut album Catatonic was one of this writer’s absolute best albums of 2007. Possibly even outright best album of that year, if memory serves correctly, and now an all time favourite by anyone. It is an absolute beast of a record, coldly calculating, extreme, brutal in places but with touches of discordant melody that set it apart. A truly underappreciated gem.
Three years, some lineup changes and much water under the bridge later, and the follow up is finally here. It had almost seemed like they had fallen off the face of the earth there for a while, as updates on their websites/Myspace/Facebook were few and far between, and this is one metal band that are also extremely sparing in their forays into the live scene for some reason. But Perpetual Motion Machine has dropped at last, and it’s a relief to say that’s it’s absolutely killer.
If you’re a massive fan of the debut, as this fan most certainly is, then it’s probably best to view the new record in isolation, and try your utmost not to compare. Because, a) Catatonic was such a mindboggling release, it was always going to hard to top, and b) because PMM is quite different. Not to the extent that it sounds like a different band, indeed many of their quirky and unique trademarks are still present in droves, but the changes go beyond the mere cosmetic.
Most apparent is the change in vocalist Cal Hughes’ approach. In fact, in this way, it does sound like a whole new singer. From the deep throated roars that abounded on Catatonic, he has lifted his register to a more screechy, almost black metal vocal style. Why this decision has been made is unclear, but it takes a bit of getting used to. If you’re unfamiliar with Catatonic, you will be impressed with the vocals on this album, as they are throat rippingly intense, but with that same sense of off-kilter melody present on the previous record. Fans of the debut need to be patient with the change however.
The production is different too, however the reason for this is pretty obvious: the drums are programmed, since polyrythmic former skinsman Daniel Luttick left the band quite some time ago, thus far not to be replaced. The programmed drum lines, whilst serving their purpose admirably, cannot recapture the dynamism and sound of a real player. The snare sound especially, is kinda weak and possibly the only disappointment of the record.
Overall though, it’s a mighty and monumental effort, especially under the circumstances (ie, drummerless, completely self produced on a no doubt minimal budget etc). The songs are compelling, especially feature track, the truly epic and dynamic Mirrored Reflections, which, whilst slower paced, veritably sends shivers down your spine with it’s intensity.
While possibly not quite scaling the heights achieved on Catatonic, Perpetual Motion Machine is a more than worthy follow up, and is another world class metal release from this highly undervalued Melbourne band.
ROD WHITFIELD
