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Mesmer Machine EP (Madroad Recordings)
Cleaning out your backpack can have both beneficial and surprising results. For example, I found this EP lost amidst rolling papers, broken cigarettes, and assorted detritus at the bottom and therein(on) discovered an impressively updated, alternative rock band writing/performing moody, atmospheric songs about modern American life experiences. Their sound hovers between Pink Floyd (without the pretentious, self-satisfied superiority) and U2 (without the pompous, overbearing, self righteous front man). Soaring, singing guitar, unique, flowing, spacy arrangements, and a vocalist with the abilty to resonate like Bono make this a band to watch. Probably a bit too mature and serious to appeal to many listeners under 21, but that's fine, since most people don't fully appreciate the finer things in life until they're older anyway. - Glenn Tillman.
- tangerine magazine
MESMER MACHINE
SELF-TITLED
MADROAD RECORDINGS
This debut EP from this Florida quartet is a moody, psychedelic trip with Pink Floyd-like atmosphere and a lead guitar that sounds a lot like that of U2's the Edge. The band originally hailed from 29 Palms, CA, right next door to Joshua Tree National Park. Though the stark, surreal landscape fueled their creative juices, the environment also fueled their thirst for drugs and alcohol. To preserve their sanity, the band relocated to Florida, where nearly 15 years after their promising origin and several years after disbanding and then reforming, the band has made another venture into the music world. The four songs on this EP are glimpses of brilliance, a balance of soft textures and hard, angular guitars. Though the band was touted for their "potential for something big" back in '91, it has taken them 15 years and a world of life experience to find their muse. Let's hope they stick with it this time and deliver their promised full-length album in 2004. Visit Website
-DUG
- skratchmagazine
There must be something about being out in the desert tripping on peyote while listening to your favorite Brit Pop bands. Having gotten its start in the Mojave Desert, Mesmer Machine (now based in Florida) brings that feeling to life on this four song EP. Leadoff track "Sunk In" owes a lot to Joshua Tree-era U2 with vocalist David Harman's Bono-esque croon. "Sugar Glue" is more reminiscent of something off of Radiohead's Pablo Honey while "Fill The Room" sounds like a cross between Jane's Addiction and Queens of the Stone Age. The EP closes with the pure psychedelia of "Mary," which returns to the Brit Pop sound with a hint of Pink Floyd-like headiness. If these guys can come up with these four songs in just a week, I can only look forward to the results of a longer, more focused recording session.
- Jonathan Williams (Music Editor)
- prick magazine
Mesmer Machine • s/t • Madroad • This four-song debut EP definitely contains sounds you've heard before, but perhaps not in this skillfully woven combination. You hear echoes of U2 and Jane's Addiction a psychedelic rock and roll record with beautiful hypnotic guitar lines ringing in the background. Originally from the Mojave Desert, the ethereal influences and ambition of this band shine brightly through their trippy, elastic anthems. (DP)
- impact press
Discography
MESMER MACHINE: Discography
Mesmer Machine "Stereo Systems Test Record" Jan 2005 Madroad Recordings
Mesmer Machine "S/T" EP Nov. 2003 Madroad Recordings
Lapis Lazuli "Oversouled" CD 1997 SuperKool Records
Lapis Lazuli "Spiderbaby" 7" 1996 Superkool Records
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
MESMER MACHINE: Bio
David Harman :: Vocals
Chopper :: Bass
Alex Denillo :: Drums
Joe Denillo :: Guitar
MESMER MACHINE...........stereo system's test record
MESMER MACHINE entered the studio in August of 2004 with a set of material, most of which was composed during their time on the road, learning the rough reality of being independent artists. The new material is a compelling mix of straightforward rock, pop, and psychedelia. Strong songwriting is again the bands strong suit, new songs like the thundering dance-rock of Sunbrand sound excitingly fresh, yet strangely comfortable. Psychopiritual is a dark, psychedelic masterpiece of metal guitars and pummeling bass. Dave Harmans evil crooning is sinister, a perfect match for the lyrics depicting the pain of addiction and the battle for redemption..
MESMER MACHINE has come a long way since its inception in October 2003, when the band recorded its debut, self titled E.P. MESMER MACHINE has received rave reviews from the underground press, put in thousands of miles touring the Southeastern U.S., and had there music chosen for the 2005 season of MTVs Made. But let us get back to the beginning, after recording the E.P., MESMER MACHINE started a relentless campaign to penetrate the underground music industry. Fly Pr was hired to handle the press and the band started booking shows on its own.
This is not an easy task for any band just out of the gates, but the persistence, great reviews and mesmerizing live performance couldnt be denied. MESMER MACHINE began down a long mad road, that took them from their homes in Orlando, Fl to venues like the 40 Watt in Athens GA., Smiths olde bar in Atlanta, the Masq in Ybor City, Soapbox Lounge in Wilmington, the Blank Generation in Little Rock, the Blind Tiger in Greensborro NC, Cumberlands in Charleston S.C., Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville Fl and just about everywhere in between. MESMER MACHINE also appeared on Melissa Foxxs show on June 10th on Real Radio 104.1FM, in Orlando. Meanwhile, MESMER MACHINEs E.P. began to receive press form outlets like IMPACT PRESS, who said in Dec. 2003, a psychedelic rock and roll record with beautiful hypnotic guitar lines ringing in the background. Originally form the Mojave Desert, the ethereal influences and ambition of this band shine brightly through their trippy, elastic, anthems. Soaring, singing guitar, unique, flowing, spacey arrangements, and a vocalist with the ability to resonate like Bono make this a band to watch.(Tangerine.com Jan 04) Panicus Review says you may soon be seeing MESMER MACHINE on a large summer stage and enjoying the show immensely. Prick Magazine in Dec. 2003 add If these guys con come up with these four songs in just a week, I can only look forward to the results of a longer, more focused recording session. Well MESMER MACHINE has a sound thats more traditional with the mid 80s to early 90s indie band scene, that have the same feeling as ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, PINK FLOYD, and the SMITHS. This is just very good stuff from the USA with a UK buzz. (Toxic Flyer October 2003.) With a December 2004 release date for MESMER MACHINEs Stereo-Systems Test Record, the band is looking to expand its exposure.
The next campaign will focus on the college market on a national level
.and MESMER MACHINE will continue its trip down the MADROAD, coming a venue nearby
.SOON!
MESMER MACHINE are:
David Harman Vocals,
Guitar Joe Denillo Lead Guitar
Larry Bost Bass
Alex Denillo Drums
Madroad Recordings 235 W. Marvin Ave Longwood, Fl 32750 T. 321-229-9819 F. 407.260.2297 Madroad@msn.com
What the PRESS is saying.......
Impact Press Dec 2003
"a psychedelic rock and roll record with beautiful hypnotic guitar lines..."
Modern Fix Magazine Dec 2003
"a Phil Spector-esque wall of noise sound and mellow, hypnotizing rhythms..."
Tangerine.com Jan 2004
"Soaring, singing guitar, unique , flowng spacey arrangements, and a vocalist with the ability to resonate like Bono makes this a band to watch..."
Page III Nov 2003
"A big echoey college/hippie dope rock sound...
synthesis Jan 2004
"Sunk In, combines swirling, hallucinogenic mix and blistering feedbackto create the EP's heaviest rocker...."
The following is the review as published in the Big Takeover issue #56, written by Jack Rabid.
Remember when U2 was a cutting edge group? "11 O'clock Tick Tock", "out of Control", "I Will Follow", "I Thew A Brick Threw A Window"? The well-named Mesmer Machine may. After forming 15 years ago (which is not true, we met 15 years ago)in Twentynine Palms, Ca, the band moved to Orlando, Fl, which is among the most boring big towns in America if your not a tourist (although wet and wild is fun), apparently to escape a alcohol- and drug-filled life-and then broke up. Perhaps after getting tired of the waterslides and Mickey Mouse park, MM returned in 2003 with a self-titled EP. This album again picks up theri U2 tra
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