I just got the news that the represses I ordered of both God Machine albums are heading my way this week and I am so so excited. They are a band that mean a hell of a lot to me.
If you’re unfamiliar then you can think of their discography as being pretty similar to Joy Division’s (in some respects): they released an absolute all timer of a debut:
There was then a tragic death around the time of the release of their second, emotionally intense, very death fixated album (in this case bassist Jimmy Fernandez):
And that was it: a flawless legacy.
The main songwriter, Robin Proper-Sheppard has gone on (and on) with his Sophia project (I initially loved them but have struggled to stay excited by them recently). Sophia chat welcome in the thread if you like.
Really hope that the reissues etc bring out some love from people on here. They don’t really fit easily into categories: they’re definitely metal adjacent but with clean rather than screamed vocals (they might have had some commonality with the post metal scene that rose, and fell, ten years after their end but don’t let that put you off if you’re a PM hater).
I’ll check them out - sounds like something I’d like! Although I did think you were gonna be talking about Liberty 37’s criminally overlooked second album so excitedly clicked on the thread - alas, I’ll just have to hope it gets its time in the (thread) sun too at some point!
Really ahead of their time in a way, although not much sounds like them even now. Big Brave and Birds in Row remind me of them in small places.
RPS was a somewhat unlikely Powerful Force for Good on the diy scene and blew a good wedge of their advance on a (now utterly impossible) semi-industrial space in Kings Cross which he used as a simple but very cool tape-based studio. He was/is an enviably driven character.
Also probably one of my favourite bad/good guitarists. The music never gave any hint that it was held back by his playing.
Mentioned The God Machine on here just a couple of weeks ago
God Machine were such an amazing band - was lucky enough to catch them on the first album tour. I remember when One Last Laugh came out, Melody Maker compared it to the recently released Superunknown which I thought was silly as Last Laugh is clearly a far superior album. Got both albums on CD but definitely interested in a re-release
One of the best bands of all time. The debut changed my taste of music, there were no 10 minute songs with clarinet in them before I descovered them. I understand why they were forgotten but it’s still a shame.
That second album is an all time classic, even though it’s unfinished, it’s a release as is after the bass player died.
Mogwai have said they are a main influence on them and singled this song in particular had a big impact on them.
They have some great B sides that aren’t available anywhere and I’m more than happy to share if anyone is interested.
Unfortunately as much as I would love to go into a deep dive on the band, I won’t for somewhat mysterious reasons…
I bought the second album on CD pre-steaming after a friend not usually known for liking the heavier side of music introduced them to me with great adoration. Brilliant album - absolutely love it. Don’t know the first album well at all as it was out of print on CD and I think not on streaming until quite recently (?).
Will aim to pick up the reissues - good time to get into the first one.
Would love them to play some shows, but I assume that’s almost certainly not going to happen.
OT (already) but RPS was a champion of (and released records by) the tragically forgotten Elevate (who’s stuff doesn’t exist anywhere much). I cannot let an opportunity to shill for Elevate pass by. Sorry.
We should probably be posting tracks. Difficult to pick highlights, as so many for different reasons, but if you don’t end up wanting to shout Out Out (let it all out, ho ho), then you’re not angry enough:
Brilliant band, lucky enough to have seen them 4 or 5 times.
As @anon14548195 said, Robin did amazing stuff supporting the London DIY scene with his label Flowershop Recordings (was kind enough to record and release a record for our old band even!)
I pick up my reissue vinyl copies tomorrow, excited.
