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Secret Machines TSM Recordings/World’s Fair Group |
Always explosive, Secret Machines have never got an album started as quickly as they do with “Atomic Heels.” Compared to previous album-opening offerings, the song has some serious pop spring in its step, launching the space rockers into a lush orbit so that subsequent songs on their third set, like “Last Believer, Drop Dead”—which doesn’t get into its solid second groove until after when “Heels” had squeaked to a stop—can delve that much deeper into their signature shoe-gaze psychedelia. The brotherly bond between vocalist/bassist/keyboardist Brandon Curtis and former guitarist/vocalist Benjamin Curtis may have brought life to the band, but drummer Josh Garza’s relentless performance propelled their exploration. His drive rolls on “Underneath The Concrete” and gives closer “The Fire Is Waiting” the ferocity it needs, while new guitarist Phil Karnats provides perfect prods, jabs and sears.
—Eric Mitts
