Vain Machine

Honestly, I’m kind of surprised that more people don’t adopt a sound similar to this; there’s really not too many, and I suppose there are even less that pull it off well. With a blend of electro-infused industrial/post-punk music, Vain Machine often sounds like excellent bands from our music-history like Depeche Mode at their most darkly-melodic times, and at others like the more aggressive sides of that genre pulsing away with intense beats, glitches & switches like you’d find in Orgy, KMFDM or perhaps even Nine Inch Nails. It’s an onslaught of BIG sounds coming at you in immaculately-produced stereo-sound; strap yourself in for a ride whilst I dissect Vain Machine’s new album Lost.

For starters…this impressive, all-encompassing sound is coming from only two people; Beau Baker and Omar Quinones based out of Los Angeles. Aside from good ol’ Reznor, they’ve beaten the odds by creating massive music & sounds that are completely comparable to that of a full-band easily.

Lost starts out with a very KMFDM vibe to begin the album…low-end pulsing in a menacing way, the opening song and title-track “Lost” is full of barbed-hooks designed to capture your mind & musical-interest immediately as it comes ripping out of the gate. The chorus becomes a real display of intensity and the groove of the verse coming back in is quickly addictive; this is definitely a sound that excites my earholes and a great opening to my experience into the music of Vain Machine.

Breaking way to a calmer-electro style, “So Much For Fate (All For Nothing)” is much closer to something you’d find on Depeche Mode’s Ultra or Exciter albums. There’s an undeniable pop-meets-new wave groove that beats just below the surface of this musical-mayhem that pulls you in every single time and “So Much For Fate” is no exception; it’s the example. It’s an excellent combination that has seen crossovers like Orgy find massive success through singles like “Blue Monday.” Listening to a track like this…there’s no doubt in my mind that these tunes could just as easily find their way into the dance-clubs as they could be found pulsing deeply within the underground circuit. There’s a lot of crossover potential in a sound like this…aside from the dark-mood of the music which some people either will or won’t respond to, there’s just far too much to like about the rest.

“Strike The Wire” might remind you more of something like you’d find on Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails, though the vocals still retain their Gahan-like qualities. There will be times that sound like they trade in energy for tone vocally…but that passive sound was a real part of what made the post-punk sound so unique. Echoing those sentiments here in the present…it’s effective and it works well…but there are times where I do find myself wanting that energy to come up just slightly through the vocals to pull me into these hooks just a tiny fragment more.

Because let’s face it…musically…assembly & structure-wise…these guys are all aces. Listen to the opening of “Fade Away” – it should be all you need. I absolutely LOVE this song and sound…this is the intense slow burner that a guy like me absolutely longs for and always hopes might come through the speakers. I was honestly shocked to hear this one remain instrumental; I think it’s a brilliant canvas for a singer to work with and massively dynamic. I also think it was a great choice. I personally have no issues with the vocals in Vain Machine at all, but this really does display another side of them. And a fantastic side of them at that; this electro tune has all the melody, intuition and tones that I pretty much EVER want to hear in ONE song. Genius cut. Without words, it’ll be more difficult for those that like to sing along to get into…but man are you doing yourself a disservice if you’re not giving this track a copious amount of your time of day.

Hitting a lighter-stride in a track that sounds like Orgy-meets-NIN, “X-Ray” is definitely a cut designed to make you move. Feel sorry for ya if you got this song on your ipod whilst in the dentist’s chair…you’ll be getting a few extra holes in your face if you’ve got “X-Ray” on, dancing in the chair while they drill ya. Other places would be just as inconvenient I’m sure…probably shouldn’t be listening to this while sitting in the jury-box, at funerals or while trying to stay angry with your cable-provider…and I’m sure the list could go on. So fuck all that…bust moves where it’s safe in the middle of your own home with this massive-mover as it grinds out a solid beat and excellent vocal-hooks.

“Broken,” made me a little suspicious and here’s why; it’s actually on the album three times. From my outside perspective…it could mean a couple things – what I’m expecting is the track they wanted to get ‘right’ the most, hence the inclusion of other attempts/remixes that might suit the song better. That usually means there’s a lot of important lyrics packed into the song…a message that’s truly trying to be communicated; have a listen…you decide if you feel I’m right about all that.

As it stands, the first mix is decent and there’d be no reason to be unhappy about it. I’ll admit that of the six tunes that start this out, this might be the most difficult one I’ve found to find a way into. The chorus on this one is delivered with a vicious anti-energy…I personally think this one needed a bit more spark in the energy to make it stand out that 10% more. It still has the hooks, the writing and the creativity to merit its inclusion for certain; it might just be me that wants more while they remain true to their style without compromise.

Technically the album’s originals end at the next track “Push,” another excellent atmosphere created by Vain Machine with great ideas for vocal samples piercing their way through the intense up-tempo beat. I think the vocals match perfectly here in this final track, raising up with the dynamics of the music or settling into melodies that echo into the tone of the music creatively & innovatively all the way throughout. Excellent electro-pulse in this final cut and overall, seven songs I’d never find myself complaining about were they to come on at any time here at the studio.

The album rounds out in entirety with additional remixes of “Strike The Wire,” “Broken,” and “Push.” I think each of them brought something new to the mix but for the most part I found myself on the side of the original mixes. Well…except for “Broken;” suspicions confirmed…and I really found that I was digging on the “Assemblage 23 Remix” version of the song. I think it’s a credit to Vain Machine overall to have these remixes at the end come so close to being a part of their sound as the rest; none of these remixes took the ‘band outta the band’ you know what I mean? It sounds cohesive and remains that way throughout the entire experience; they might be Lost on this album but they sure sound like they’ve got their shit together to me!

Have a listen for yourself at the Analogue Trash official page that houses excellent music from Vain Machine and a whole slew of other great talent: http://trashdigital.co.uk/album/lost-at0015 - Sleeping Bag Studios

Within seconds the dance-floor is bouncing as the zephyr of Industrial-Tribal fusion pours out of the speakers and overwhelms the souls of all it can find. Soon the dancers are left with crocodile smiles and glowing hearts.

All this is cause by ‘Lost’ the latest offering from Vain Machine.

The songs on the interesting, 12 track, album are as diverse and varied as any we’ve ever reviewed. Songs like ‘Strike the wire’ and ‘Broken’ show the creative range of this brilliant band -taking you from stormy, ship wreck covered shores to black skies and rolling thunder, all of which will leave you touched in some way and mabsoot to some extent.


Vain Machine: Lost

Published on February 26, 2015, by His Divine SHadow - Posted in Music, Reviews 0
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Within seconds the dance-floor is bouncing as the zephyr of Industrial-Tribal fusion pours out of the speakers and overwhelms the souls of all it can find. Soon the dancers are left with crocodile smiles and glowing hearts.

All this is cause by ‘Lost’ the latest offering from Vain Machine.

The songs on the interesting, 12 track, album are as diverse and varied as any we’ve ever reviewed. Songs like ‘Strike the wire’ and ‘Broken’ show the creative range of this brilliant band -taking you from stormy, ship wreck covered shores to black skies and rolling thunder, all of which will leave you touched in some way and mabsoot to some extent.

Overall, Lost is a fantastic album that’s full of tribal insanity and future-pop pride.

The album is available on TrashDigital. - 925 Rebillion

When it comes to electronic music, there is always one thing I listen for that is oft-times missing: the human element inside the machinery. Sure, there is always a catchy hook that overstays its welcome, thus fatiguing the ears. And then there is the trance inducing loops of industrial noise that leave people too worn out to dance before their feet ever hit the floor. In short, too much substance without any style or sensibility to its surroundings.

And then there is Vain Machine.

Electro-industrial with a dark and heavy edge, Omar Quinones and Beau Baker have all of the substance, without sacrificing style & sensibility to create a “wall of impending sonic doom” sound. While it is hard to compare Vain Machine to anyone else, the title track “Lost” and “So Much for Fate” have the feel of Concentration era Machines of Loving Grace.

While having all of the hooks and earworms of infectious synth-pop, I wouldn’t even say it is in the same neighborhood. The bass is more ripping, the drums have that snap to them, but the synths are dirty & sleazy. Samples are aptly applied, and the resonant tone throughout the first 7 songs on the album (which are new) have that eerie vibe to them. If you listen to in the dark you may begin to see the orbs you hear in “Fade Away.” I confess, by the time I was finished with track 6, “Broken”, I had been sucked into the Vain Machine. This is the kind of electronic music I live for: edgy, driven and fierce!

Strongly influenced by the likes of Nitzer Ebb, VNV Nation and KMFDM, Quinones and Baker have quickly risen up a reputation to be proud of. September 2014, Vain Machine signed with UK-based independent label AnalogueTrash after having played live for less than a year. In that time though, they played some coveted slots, including opening for legendary German electropop act De/Vision.

If you’re a fan of Machines Of Loving Grace, VNV Nation or edgy pop-infused dark industrial ala Deathstars, you will be picking this up on disc and if the gods be gracious, on precious vinyl. I can only imagine how much more this could blow minds coming from a hot slab o’ wax. Vain Machine will be breaking the sonic barriers in 2015, which I guarantee.

Aside from the 7 new tracks, the album contains remixes from the likes of Nordika, People’s Theatre, David Burdick, and Assemblage 23. - Fourculture Magazine

Just two months back, Vain Machine released their EP Push via AnalogueTrash. Now, I remember being awfully pleased with the canon track on the EP, but not necessarily completely finding entertainment within the remixes. And, because of that, the question eventually begged, "How would this duo appeal to my aural senses with a full length release?" And now I have the answer to my very own question as Lost is due only one month from now, and I've been listening to it for the entirety of my day.

The title track Lost delivers what seems to be standard EBM fare before hitting you with an amazing chorus that adds in heavy synths and an additional backing digitalized voice which kicked my ass. Continue on into So Much For Fate (All For Nothing) and you'll be delivered a slower track, but engages again during the chorus. Strike The Wire would be perhaps the first song I just could not dive right into, and I felt more or less obliged to skip it.

But, oh, the ever breathtaking instrumental track Fade Away came in next and served as the highlight of the album. Playing with the electronics, a very different sound emerged from this duo. Slower moving at the same time serving in piano chords and an echo to add a little atmosphere, it was gorgeous.

Nonetheless, as much as I wished to stick on that song for a long while, there was more to explore. X-Ray hit in next with a more positive vibe, but not as positive lyrical content. Still, the bounciness of the beat was fun. Broken sort of followed suit with the more positive rhythm, and the last track on the album, Push, I've covered previously, so my comments remain the same.

And then the remix section followed. Strike The Wire got a remix by David Burdick. Not differing from the original other than perhaps pumping up the bass, making the synths heavier, and adding more of an echo, I just didn't see reason to listen to this mix over the canon.

Assemblage 23 touched up Broken nicely, adding in additional sounds and chimes to push forward that bright sound I talked about earlier. The Push (Infinite Mix by Nordika) was a fairy stripped version, allowing the simple driving line of the song to maintain control. But, sometimes keeping it simple works for the best. As was the case this time around. The mix done by People Theater was fun, got me wiggling my toes to follow the beat, and the last one done by Ruined Conflict definitely took on a more electro approach and was very well done.

While I wasn't completely awe-struck with this album, Vain Machine has proven that they can craft a good album with quite good tracks involved. The remixes chosen were, for the most part, pretty well done, but I still prefer the original mixes myself. Slap on a damn good instrumental between all the frenzy, and I'd say you got yourself decent album. Crank up your speakers and sit back and relax as you're about to get Lost. - Brutal Resonance

Vain Machine is formed by Beau Baker and Omar Quinones. They are working on their debut album, but while we’re waiting on that, here’s their single Push. The sound of this band from Los Angeles can be described as futurepop that consist of nice bass lines, sweeping pads, lots of synths and electronic percussion.

In September 2014 Vain Machine signed a contract with the UK-based independent electronica label Analogue Trash Records. Push is released as a digital single featuring the original mix of the track and three remixes from Slave Unit, Mykyl Pagan and David Burdick.

Listening to this track, you hear lots of influences from bands like Icon Of Coil or VNV Nation. In my opinion even too much, the song is 'nice', the beats and synth loops danceable, but it misses some identity, This track could easily be on an older Assemblage 23-album. But that doesn't mean that Vain Machine has nothing to offer, I hope they will further develop their own style. Hopefully they can already do it on their full first album in 2015. - Peek-a-Boo Magazine

This was what the future was supposed to sound like. The initial rise in the use of machines in music over 30 years ago was reflected in the TV and film culture of the time – a dark, cyberpunk influence, all Terminator tech noir, predicting a futuristic, electronic hybrid of the mechanical and the gothic to be our soundtrack to the post-nuclear apocalypse.

Los Angeles duo Vain Machine remind us that this sort of music is still out there although not quite in the mainstream as may have been predicted. This will suit them fine as it is precisely the sort of throbbing decadent sound that is going on at an underground club venue you probably know nothing about.

Vain Machine draw inspiration from all the influential industrial, ebm artists you would expect: VNV Nation, De/Vision, KMFDM and Nitzer Ebb. Their debut release for Analog Trash label, “Push” is driven by pulsating dark arpeggios with bright euphoric synths flickering in and out, an occasional neon rush to change the tone. It will suit you whether you want to get up and dance or just sit in the dark wallowing in moody introspection.

“Push” comes with three remixes, the David Burdick remix gives the song a clubbier vibe, while the Slave Unit remix adds bass guitar to drive it and a heavier guitar in the chorus to give it a classic industrial rock feel reminiscent of acts like Gravity Kills. The final remix makes the vocal stand out a bit more and its glitchy percussion-tinted electro-rock makes you wonder what happened to Duran Duran influenced acts like The Faint and Inaura.

So the future saw boybands like One Direction rather than Sigue Sigue Sputnik but the mainstream is often wrong and uninformed. There is an alternative and we have the technology to discover it so push yourself to use it! - Fourculture Magazine

With " Lost "present Beau Baker and Omar Quinones from Los
Angeles debut album in 2013, founded their project Vain Machine . Although the album went on sale already on 20 February 2015, it is still worth a listen again thoroughly. 8 new tracks and remixes 5 - inter alia by Assemblage 23 and NORDIKA , presenting the sound power behind Vain Machine inserted. Driving beats and style alternates between Industrial, EBM and futurepop, while somewhat reminiscent of VNV Nation , De / Vision or Nitzer Ebb.

Even the entry-level " Lost "directly revealed catchy character and pulls the listener into a world of powerful drums and catchy synths. Together with the vocals makes it definitely want more. Latest from " So Much For Fate (All For Nothing) "it is clear that the guys know their stuff. Again rumble catchy synths and a powerful chorus from the boxes and remember doing a good mix of VNV Nation and De / Vision . With " Strike The Wire "at least shows the singing of his experimental side. The drumming and bass are a monstrous overall result. The song does not raise this for the album out, but still a solid foundation. " Fade Away "starts with an impressive and slightly dark intro. Later then back a distinctive synthesizer sounds, this track is complete without singing. With a total running time of five and a half minutes this instrumental is missing, however, a bit of variety. Especially with regard to the drums, you would surely be able to get out there more. In " X-Ray "is now the song is back again. Synthesizer, Drums and Vocals form a slightly more aggressive sound. " Broken "is a solid danceable electro-number, which you could easily imagine the club. This shows the duo what it has on it. Just like " Push ", where fans of Nitzer Ebb or De / Vision will get their costs. While here the musicians presented no revolution, but they prove that they can produce quite catchy catchy tunes.

In addition to the regular album tracks are also five remixes on the disc. The first makes " Strike The Wire (David Burdick Remix) ". This version gives the original again a little more variety, without appearing totally inappropriate. The focus is clearly placed here on the drums and synthesizer. " Broken (Assemblage 23 Remix) "emerges as a real highlight among the remixes. A solid, dynamic electro version, which is kept a little quieter than the original. In this case, the whole thing is somewhat reminiscent Melotron or De / Vision . " Push (Infinite Mix by NORDIKA) "shows focused on accessibility. Although beat and bass provide no large variation, but they still are still danceable and powerful. " Strike The Wire (People Theatre's Cable Mix) "presents a bulky structure of synthesizers. The vocals were not provided as the original number with a striking effect, but have only a simple echo-accompaniment on. So here arises a catchy version that invites definitely for dancing. " Broken (Ruined Conflict Remix) "shows up with powerful, bass-heavy drums shall dwell safely, no where to stand still at the club. This version is technically sound minimized a bit, but still acts alternation Empire and boring in any case, is even more dynamic than the original, therefore.

Conclusion : Vain Machine have with their debut clearly demonstrated that they can know their craft and produce catchy catchy numbers. However, it often lacks a little momentum or change. Although the distinctive synthesizer part of their sound, but "I would now not expected" - feeling comes here not to. One could say that lack an innovative character, but that is in this genre, of course not. Here it is all about, that's catchy and danceable and having reached the duo's debut album with this wholeheartedly. - Tombstone Magazine (Germany)