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LIve Videos & Album review of ‘We Operate Machinery’ by the Fabric

    The Fabric’s new album, ‘We Operate Machinery’ opens with a synth drop and then it stops.

    When it comes back in, the singers iron laden voice directs all listener’s attention inwards as the drums pick up a beat and noises in the background tense and release. Singer Joe Sikes continues to sing of the tragedy of love in the new world and the confusion and angst behind the relations of the modern century. ‘Release me’ he pleads over rhythmic synth bars. The music all comes together to create the kind of industrial works that the great electro artists of the eighties invoked so well.

    The second track ’Tragedy’, only overcomes the first with a drum track that almost has a dub feel to it with a simple, sinister yet powerful bass line. The lyrics are intelligent but secure, speaking of a girl who is so used to giving in to tragedy that the singer feels compelled to break her out of the cycle of her bondage to her guilt and misery. The story goes deeper as the song goes on, unveiling a deeper bond between the two….but to tell more would ruin the story..
    And that’s just track two. Lol. Throughout the album, the feeling of sadness and a sense of despair solidify and the mood is set for the night. The album is 15 songs, but is easy to listen through all the way because of the arrangement of the tracks. Even just listening to the music is relaxing. The drums have a thick sounding snare and the bass tracks have a pulsating, rhythmic sound to them. It’s astonishing the textures that the group manages to create. Often, the band seems to take the music they have created and rather than expand them, they patch pieces of music together like a puzzle held together by verse and drums. Being the group’s third album together, this is the most synergistic piece of work they have done which is obvious upon listen, because the tracks all have the same style and all sound unique but within it’s own vein, which is the mark of a band that has hit it’s stride. Each song has a distinct and signature riff or hook, and the drums are always very tight. This album is so great because each song sounds like a hit, but the group is so comfortable that they complete the cycles of music with ease.
    This collection of songs also reminds me of a time period when club music was popular, infused with a rock sensibility. ‘We Operate Machinery’ is the perfect album for sitting on your couch by yourself, or for driving through a lonely district in the evening. It reminds me of the beauty of being alone, the peace of loneliness. It can also be a good one to share a listen with. For those looking for an album that provides you with a stable selection of tracks, beautiful and lush synth music, tight drum tracks and a passionate singer, this is a good one for you. May it find it’s place in your CD collection.
    The album is available through iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby, but also check the Fabric out live, because they are a great force to witness in person as well. Find the Fabric out at http://www.myspace.com/fabricmvp or http://thefabric.fm/.

Also: Check out some video of the Fabric live at their CD release show at the Highland Inn Ballroom.

‘Lunar Influence’

and

Songs of the Sun