“Bonemachine” by Bonemachine, CD Review
After over 10 years away from the studio, Bonemachine are back! Having formed in 1999 the band were a prominent fixture on the Portsmouth music scene. They shared the Wedgewood Rooms stage with big names from the era, including Lo Fidelity Allstars and 69 Days of Static. As well as the Mission and short-lived industrial super-group the Damage Manual.
Live shows saw Bonemachine play behind their synths and in front of backdrop of moving imagery, something less common for local bands at the end of the 90’s.
80’s inspired darkwave
Having released their 2nd album in 2006, the band slowly went on an extended hiatus. It is however 2018 that sees the return of Bonemachine. This time they’ve combined their 80’s inspired darkwave synths with a slightly heavier sound than the first time around.
It’s definitely a good combination, where they have the roots of Depeche Mode but with more guitars and samples. This, in particular, comes into fruition on “Flames”, the song transitions from moody synth-pop into a screaming guitar solo. Not to mention the child innocence of the opening sample.
Bonemachine probably weren’t ever considered the most cheerful of bands back in the day. So it’s no surprise the new addition of Calvin Rendle continues in the same vein as previously vocalists. He certainly helps the group maintain their inner goth on the likes of “Flee” and “Red Glass”. While ex-member Simon Brookes pops up as a guest appearance on the album. In fact, the albums opener “This City Burns” originated as a Brookes track, taken from his previous project Music to Drive Tanks To.
As such the song joins together the branches of the friends family tree. Plus in its own right, “This City Burns” is another tune that’s very much synth orientated with some intriguing samples. Overall though while Bonemachine have continued to twiddle the dials on their keyboards, the live instrumentation is certainly a lot more prominent.
Another Day Over (Sigue Sigue Sputnik mix)
There’s also an added bonus with a re-release of another original recording. “Another Day Over” remixed by one of the leading acts of the 80’s new-wave scene, Sigue Sigue Sputnik. The remix appeared on a compilation back in 2007, but could potentially be passed off as modern-day Radiohead.
So what’s next for Bonemachine? Well, I guess we have to see, but hopefully, it won’t be 10 years until the group are back at the Wedge. In the meantime, the album is available from the bands’ website, to purchase either on CD or via download and I’d highly recommend you do just that.
