EP REVIEW: Modern-day Machines – resident

’…not just a great teaser of what the band are capable of, but a solid and engaging post-hardcore record that is absolutely worth your time…’

NYC is known for its emo and post-hardcore pedigree, and the latest band to look at joining these ranks is Modern-day Machines. The outfit dropped their sophomore EP ‘resident’ earlier this month, and show that they are a band that has the potential to produce something truly captivating.

‘resident’ is an EP that is bristling with an anxious fervour, alternating between punchy, complex riffs and dreamy melancholy, all held together with compelling and catchy melodies. Guitars play out intricate passages over waves of electrifying drums that roll out with flair and precision, certain to appeal to those who like their post-hardcore with a progressive edge, yet keeping things grounded enough to make it an enjoyable listen to those who prefer it to be a straightforwards emo affair.

’Inside and Out’ is perfect example of this; the lead single of the EP, guitars play off one another with gritty riffs and melodic, ambient picking, whilst catchy yet gloomy melodies are woven by the vocals. The choruses are a wonderful moment of contrast, with their huge, crushing sound, and the back half of the track is a brilliantly punchy affair, ramping up the tempo with rapid fire percussion and impressive guitar performances.

’Clean Break’ is more of a progressive affair, with a far more nuanced and multi-phased approach, interweaving the band’s capacity for creating catchy melodies with interesting and engaging complex musicianship. ‘You Look So Good (Now That You’re Gone)’, on the other hand, is a haunting acoustic-lead affair, with ghostly vocal harmonies, gentle reverb, and uncomfortable lyricism that is delivered with a venomous, depressive tone; it’s an impressive showcase of this band’s ability to tell a story.

That is ultimately what makes this EP so exciting to listen to; it’s easy to imagine that Modern-day Machines could produce a truly captivating LP, bringing that storytelling ability to the forefront, and embellishing it with the grandeur and complexity that they could do easily produce on a long-form record. Certainly, it would be great to hear the band truly lean into the glimpses of exhilarating inventiveness that appear across the span of ‘resident’.

For now, however, ‘resident’ serves as not just a great teaser of what the band are capable of, but a solid and engaging post-hardcore record that is absolutely worth your time. Keep a close eye on this band.

RATING: 77/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Coheed & Cambria, The Contortionist, Casey, With Sails Ahead, Sleep Token

You can preorder the EP physically here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify