T-Boy/UMe [Release date 29.03.19]

The Beta Machine hail from Los Angeles, led by A Perfect Circle’s rhythm section of bassist, vocalist and keyboardist Matt McJunkins and drummer Jeff Friedl. They are joined by vocalist Claire Acey and guitarist and keyboardist Nicholas Perez. In 2017 they released an EP ‘All This Time’ and now they are set to unleash their debut album.

The Beta Machine have their own sound, one that relies heavily on synths/programming, the tight bass lines of Matt McJunkins and the way the aforementioned McJunkins and Claire Acey’s vocals combine together so well. There are hints of Depeche Mode on the instant melody of the single ‘Embers’ and on ‘Someday’, whilst ‘Precious Design’ recalls QOTSA in the driving backbeat.

‘Bones’ is a winner with the synths/keys to the fore and another fine duet from McJunkins and Acey. It has an eerie feel both lyrically and in the musical arrangements. Elsewhere though ‘The Fall’ is a bit too much of a mish mash of styles, although it does feature one of the album’s heaviest guitar solos. The closing duo of ‘Intruder’ and ‘Bleed For You’ reminded me of the much missed Pure Reason Revolution. Both bands cleverly mix complex musical passages with simple, yet effective melodies.

The Beta Machine may only be at the start of their musical journey, yet they have already amassed a fine set of tunes and one worthy of your listening time. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)

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