Machines of Loving Grace

Gilt (Mammoth/Atlantic)
by Scott Hefflon

After releasing Concentration, doing that song for The Crow soundtrack, and touring a shitload, Machines of Loving Grace decided to focus more on guitar power and playing as a band, rather than the lethal electro-industrial formula they used in the studio. Unfortunately, now they just sound like a heavy rock band with neat effects and cleverly dark lyrics. It’s a good, solid album of breathy sensuality mixed with anger and wit, but I miss the keyboards and devastating synths. “Solar Temple” and “Last” will shake furniture, but they’re only tremors compared to the power of Concentration.