Cowboy Indian Bear/It's True Foolish B/W The Bridge The Record Machine 2010

Cowboy Indian Bear/It's True Foolish B/W The Bridge The Record Machine 2010 CAT# TRM 019

I used to have all these really great split 7"s back in the day. Loved them. It was such an economical way to get something from a band you liked and possibly get into a band you've never heard. Or, you'd get a couple songs from two of your favorite bands on the same 7". They were special, many times it'd be the only way to grab a certain song, or you'd get a preview of an album track prior the full length release (and it would often be an alternate version).

It's not the same anymore for the split 7" EP. With the vinyl resurgence, they still try to push these out in front of everyone, but too often a 7" isn't cheap. $7 to $10 for two songs you can download on Bandcamp for a $1 doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It made sense when you got something special for less than $5, but anymore, 7"s cost too much. Which is a shame, because more people would probably end up with good ones like this if they weren't such a cost prohibitive format.

Either way, this is a great 7" put out by the Record Machine, The Cowboy Indian Bear track, "Foolish" doesn't feature female vocals like many of their songs, but makes up for it with an opening that could be confused for something by the Sea & Cake. It's True is a band from Omaha, NE, their track fits right in with the whimsical Record Machine sound, but unfortunatly, it doesn't appear the band is active any longer and didn't put out much in the way of releases.

Cowboy Indian Bear Live Old, Die Young The Record Machine 2013

Cowboy Indian Bear Live Old, Die Young The Record Machine 2013 CAT# TRM 045

The Lawrence based Cowboy Indian Bear recently disbanded in 2014, which is a shame. The band could do a lot with a small budget and a lot of talent, listening to them is like listening to a lo-fi Coldplay, but cooler, with much better songs.

The band certainly doesn't "rock", which is fine, because they find enough soul to keep you interested. Putting on this LP, you're greeted with the atmospheric "Waiting," which is loaded with sounds, and makes you feel like you just got home. It's an inventing opener and a perfect introduction to the albums well thought out soundscapes and experiments in post-modernism.

You look at the cover of 'Live Old, Die Young' and see four Lawrence, KS hipsters and you're going to make obvious assumptions, some of which may be right, but there's so much more going on here. The obvious assumption is the current Eno/Radiohead/post-rock fascinations hip with all the kids. But, what's unexpected is this slick, well-produced 80's modern-soul vibe you can get from the record. Partially due to the soulful vocals, but there's a dance element hidden among all the noodling on guitars, electronic experimentation, and layered harmonies. It keeps it more interesting than other bands of the same ilk.

And again, the album feels like home. It's effortless and comfortable.

Let it Down 

Secret Handshakes The Record Machine/Golden Sound Records 2012

Secret Handshakes The Record Machine/Golden Sound Records 2012 CAT#GSRM001

This was a local Record Store Day release met with little to no fanfare upon it's release in 2012, because let's be honest, independent labels can't do things on Record Store Day, it's for the major labels.

Nevertheless, The Record Machine teamed up with Golden Sound Records to put out this limited and colored vinyl compilation of groups from the labels' rosters. It's got a screened cover and is clever in it's simplicity. It looks and feels limited. Yet, despite the labels attempt to get on the RSD thing in 2012, you can still grab a copy with ease in 2015.

The Record Machine side is filled with the label's breezy indie-pop sounds. The La Guerre track, "23," is stellar and a huge stand out. Another definite highlight is the Akkiles track, "She's Alright," which is sparse, haunting and has addictive phrasing you can't get out of your head, The whole side is worth checking out, just to experience this tiny KC label's cohesive sound and identity.

The Golden Sound Records side isn't as cohesive, but filled with great tunes all the same. The fist track, "Hot Bright Night" by Everyday/Everynight is filled with a lot of directions, but it's grandiose and worth repeated listens. The Caves track, "Liars," has a pretty great groove and power-pop moves. It also features the Baby Teardrops, which is a Matt Dunehoo (of Proudentall) fronted band formed in New York, I mention it because that guy is dedicated and it's good to see him get a song out there now and again.

Overall, great listen and worth owning. I'm sure since it's now 2015, either label would take $10 and send you one if you asked nicely (currently selling for $12 at TRM).

Soundcloud TRM Side

Soft Reeds W/ Minden Split 7” Magic B/W Get Clean The Record Machine 2011

Soft Reeds W/ Minden Split 7” Magic B/W Get Clean The Record Machine 2011 CAT# TRM 038

I can’t get into the Soft Reeds…the song, “Magic,” is no different. It’s catchy and all, it’s just got too much flashy tricks, it sounds way too Republic Tigers, which to me, isn’t that Kansas City. But yeah, I'd spin it at a bar or something.

Minden is on the flip side and also a Kansas City band. They do, at least on this 7”, take a more lo-fi approach than the Soft Reeds, but it’s in the same vein of the atmospheric indie-rock.

Either way, it’s a nice 7” by the Record Machine, apparently limited and like anything limited, on colored vinyl.

Soft Reeds Blank City The Record Machine 2013

Soft Reeds Blank City The Record Machine 2013 CAT# TRM044

Is Kansas City and the surrounding area becoming a "post-rock" scene?  A bunch of Eno obsessed hipsters in a game of one up-man-ship?  It's starting to seem that way...all these bands kick it pretty mellow and wave around the Bowie/Eno flag.  Not as cool as our emo/post-hardcore days, or Lawrence's surprisingly fertile 80's punk scene, but better than nothing.

If you go by reviews, the Soft Reeds are leading the way and Blank City is the reason why.  The albums has shades of Eno produced Talking Heads and a lot of disco funk thrown on top (by the way, "disco" is no longer a bad word, get over it).  Sounds fancy and all, but goodnight, everybody sounds like Eno now-a-days.  It's all becoming a bit too trendy.  Sharp angular guitars, layers of keyboards, and a dance-able backbeat, it's formulaic and obvious.  It's to the point that the dance-rock is in the realm of fashion rock, I mean, there's only so many ways you can wear a collared shirt and there's only so many ways to show Eno devotion.

The Soft Reeds consist of some Chicago natives, an Autin, TX native, and two Kansas Citians that have called KC their home.  They've played South by Southwest, done the Middle of the Map and have gained notable pub in town.  They are great musicians, there is no denying that by this album...it's not easy to be an Eno obsessed hipster-takes skills.

The hang up is that this is being done, by lots of people and dates back to the 70's.  At this point, it sounds like a sound the band is trying to emulate rather than a product of organic creativity.  The hard dance beats are cool, the choppy guitars are cool, it just sounds forced.

Funky Friends Breath, OK?

Ad Astra Arkestra S/T The Record Machine 2011

Ad Astra Arkestra S/T EP The Record Machine 2011 CAT # TRM-036

So, I bought this album recently (had to, it's limited to only 300 copies, I was getting worried) and no where on the record does it say play at 45 RPM.  I put it on at 33 1/3 and was pretty sure I had just dropped acid and my face was melting.  It was fucking intense, then the vocals kicked in and I realized my error.  But seriously, someone should sample some of these tunes in 33 1/3 for some dope beats.

The band was formed from idea that was Lawrence's Ad Astra Per Aspera and members of the "Arkestra" play around town in numerous other bands.  It's a cool idea, with all the members and a ton of percussion, but it does get a bit pretentious.  A group of white hipsters calling themselves an "Arkestra"?  Sun Ra should probably get off his space ship and punch the band in the face a few times.

The band dubs itself "Astra Beat" or "Drum Punk" (again, more pretentiousness) which means post-modern centered around percussion.  They use tribal rhythms and scream a lot.  They are some really good moments when the beat is steady and they place a nifty riff over the top.  Some good dance moments.  Then there are some borderline hippie moments, which I didn't need, but I get it and I figured it was going to happen just based on the cover.  Besides, one of those boder-line hippie moments, "Apostle's Fossils," is the highlight of the album.

Ophelia's Blues

Capybara Dave Drusky The Record Machine 2012

Capybara Dave Drusky The Record Machine 2012 CAT# TRM - 040

I first heard this band on a local radio station's local music show.  Generally, the station plays alternative rock and the local show is not much different.  They played something from the band's first album (digital only release) and I was blown away.  So many stringed instruments in one song, mandolins, guitars, maybe ukulele too.  I ran home, got on-line and discovered the band was called Capybara.  Had no idea who they were, but found out later the Record Machine was working with the band to release stuff.

I've really wanted to discuss more Record Machine releases, but, records are expensive and I'm broke.  I did try and hint to Nathan Ruesch of the Record Machine that I'd blog about his stuff.  However, hint wasn't taken and Nathan probably has no desire to give out free records to a blog no one reads.  Regardless, I'd been listening to this album a lot at work in digital format and told Nathan how much I liked it because it reminded me of R.E.M.  So much so that I started sending Nathan R.E.M. tunes from the Murmur and Reckoning albums.  He kind of agreed by stating he could hear the similarities.

Seriously though, this band is a throwback to early 80's indie.  Atmospheric, clever harmonies, lots of crisp guitars, mumbled vocals with literate lyrics.  And, I'm not saying they lift from R.E.M., it's just a similar sound and I'm sure these guys have good things to say about the previously mentioned albums.

Honestly, this is my favorite thing going locally right now.  As stated, I enjoy it at work with headphones.  I enjoy it at home on the turntable.  The whole album has a great ebb and flow, it brings you up with snappy percussion and then slows down with something epic like the song, 'Wild'.  I stress the term atmospheric, the LP never achieves anything that "rocks" which make the R.E.M. comparisons even more relevant.  But, there are great pop songs hidden in the crescendo effects and vocal "oooohhhs" and "aaaahhs".  Seriously, you'll think you've heard some of these tunes in Volkswagen commercials due to the dreaminess of it all.  Buy this LP.

Wild
Late Night Bike

http://therecordmachine.net/ (pretty rad label)