Death Machine have the ability the make music that is both restrained and urgent and sounds like the swirl of galaxies or a dinghy trying to navigate an angry ocean. They command elemental forces focused into sound washes and plunged into reverb, but Morgen Jespersen’s voice still comes through these atmospheric conditions clear and true. It was due to listening to Talk Talk’s 1997 album The Party’s Over early this week that I realised that there is a handshake across the decades with these two bands as they both explore mood and Moog with a common sound that is rich and dreamlike.
‘Papercuts’ folds light and dark into a mass of ominous clouds that occasionally part to reveal plaintive sections that show a vulnerability in the idea of someone fighting with inner demons and past mistakes. Death Machine were forged in a turbulent time for singer Jesper Mortensen, and though this informs the tone of their albums, it is always an examination of the human condition and never about self-pity. However, ‘Papercuts’ has a sliver of optimism glinting in the dark landscape and gives the impression of someone emerging from their troubles and fighting for themselves by creating new rules to live by.
It’s been over a year since the last album Orbit and I hope that ‘Papercuts’ heralds a new album for the 2021. I listen to a lot of music but over the years since I first heard them, Death Machine have been a band I consistently go back to listen to again and again.
Jesper Mogensen – Vocals & guitar / Morten Ørberg – Bass, keys & choir / Simon Christensen – Keys / Sven Busck Andersen – Drums
Review by Paul F Cook
PAPERCUTS
Railing, all the doors I have shut
Razor tongue, hurt me like papercuts
I will never gush, I will never gush
Now my road is clear
Made up wounds dissappear
Know your fear
Words don’t really impress me
Im free
Knowing roads will never change
All this time, I drove in the right lane
Now the night is shining bright
Igniting my eyes
Burning headlights
I make the rules now
Can you hear me now
I digged my way into the light
I make the rules now, I make the rules now
I make the rules now, I make the rules now
Railing
All the years I have lost
Shadow box
Im the key, keep it locked
How I used to clog. How I used to clog
Now the dark is rear
Know your voice, know your fear
Now I steer
Still you’re trying to impress me
I’m free
Knowing roads will never change
All this time, I drove in the right lane
Now the night is shining bright
Igniting my eyes
Burning headlights
I make the rules now
Can you hear me now
I digged my way into the light
I make the rules now
I make the rules now
I make the rules now
I make the rules now
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