Bonemachine – “Mountains“
Following 2018’s self-titled release, Bonemachine are back with “Mountains“ and an album understandably dedicated to the passing of founding band-member James Ost.
The 80’s synth-inspired tunes continue in much of the same vein as where the previous album left off (Mr Teeth Reviews here). Given the writing process started around the same time, the 2 albums go very much hand in hand, while at times heavier than I recall the group being back in the day.
Although that may well be that the guys have been around (albeit on and off) for the past twenty years. As such, the passing of time can cause blips in the old memory, unlike the laptops used to trigger the samples during the likes of 9-minute opener “Arclight“.
It’s a big tune, not just in length but it delivers on all levels, with pulsating dance beats one-minute, swirling guitars the next. The resulting “Arclight” also a track whereby it’s worth noting the expert production credits on the album, courtesy of Portsmouth’s Old Blacksmith’s Studios.
Bonemachine – “Mountains”
For Fans of Depeche Mode…
First and foremost, Bonemachine have always been an electronic band. Albeit one who continue to have a passion for old-school new wave, goth and early industrial rock music.
In particular, the influence of Depeche Mode has forever played a vital role in the band’s soundscape. The vocals on “Snakes” (based on a track by Floodlights) are complemented by the synth-led backline, becoming a tune you could imagine from the vaults of Dave Gahan and Martin Gore’s back catalogue.
Of course, for diehard Depeche Mode fans, this could be a bold claim. However, at the same time, it gives a sense of where Bonemachine have been heading for all these years. One that takes your soul to a darker place, visualised as you take to the dancefloors of yesteryear within the smoke-filled basement of a mid-week club night.
As for playing live, given the turn of events that forged what has no doubt become an emotional release, it’s hard to imagine if the guys will return to the stage. Especially given that regular live music at time of release is currently on hold regardless. Therefore, it will be a shame if there aren’t any more performances, but “Mountains” still sounds great in the comfort of your own home.
In fitting memory to their dear friend and guitarist, the sparse “There Never is the Time” is also a poignant and moving song to complete the CD. However, with a Simon Heartfield remix of “Snakes” that follows, there’s still another delightful 10 minutes of music to get your teeth into.
Bonemachine – “Mountains” is out now on nonapplicablerecords.com, with physical copies already starting to run low, you can also download here via bandcamp.
