 Monster in the Machine - Butterfly Pinned Review
by Matthew Hastie
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It's daunting to think of how much music is out in the world today and how much of it we miss because it's just below the radar. While many major labels try and discourage diversity on an album, almost anyone with a pulse knows that this is the kiss of death to a band, and usually the cause of the sophomore slump. Diversity is key in music and it's not too hard to find if you know where to look. If you're in the mood for something a little different and challenging the grab a copy of Monster in the Machine's "Butterfly Pinned". While it is the "group's" first album, those musicians involved are all veterans of the music scene and features work from Shannon Crawford (Cellophane), James "Munky" Schaffer (KoRn), Douglas Ardito (ex-Cellophane, Puddle of Mudd), and the infamous Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, Vandals, Nine Inch Nails, and just about every other band).
The album features sounds reminiscent of many genres from rock to alternative and many of the songs have David Bowie styled vocals though there are traces of the Beach Boys, Chris Cornell, and Interpol as well. As a whole it flows surprisingly well for being so diverse and is quite a perfect album to throw on and just relax to. Each song is beautifully crafted and features master musicianship. If the group were never to make another album, "Butterfly Pinned" would go on to be a testament of what bands should do on every album, challenge themselves as musicians.
The rather experimental and industrial "Fear of the Mind" starts off the album and like many songs on "Butterfly Pinned" is rather dancey at times. "Under Your Shadow" is a fantastic song with a great hook, chorus, and features some fantastic ambiance created by the use of synths in the background. The Killer's/Interpol esque "Savior" and the David Bowie esque "Dot On My Soul" are two of my favorite tracks on the album, especially the haunting vocals of "Dot On My Soul". The final track "Don't" features the superb guitar work of KoRn guitarist Munky and is paired perfectly with Shannon Crawford's tranquil yet tense vocals. If you want to hear something different, definitely check out Monster in the Machine. It won't disappoint you.
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Monster in the Machine - Butterfly Pinned
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