Machinista - Arizona Lights

"The Synthpop is strong with this one", Yoda would have said to describe the synthpop culture in Sweden, so when Juggernaut Music Group signs a Swedish synthpop band to their roster, I feel that I should, no, scratch that, that I have to, review it.

'Arizona Lights' is the debut EP from John Lindqwister (Cat Rapes Dog, Basswood Dollies) and Richard Flow (Vision Talk, Haze For Sale) and since I've followed these Gentlemen's other projects and undertakings, I must say I felt a bit intrigued when the two teamed up as Machinista.

This EP is four original tracks and six remixes, and you know well by now, remixes is rarely my cup of tea (when thinking of it, so is tea). I must admit that I think that Juggernaut is pushing it with six remixes (okay, one is an acoustic version) of two different tracks here. I would have preferred the four original tracks and one or perhaps two of the best remixes.

The first time I heard the EP from start to finish, I thought "I've heard this before, and I will most probably hear this again", and now, when I'm on my 10th(+) listen, that feeling has not changed. This is solid Swedish synthpop/electropop, if you are looking for something groundbreaking, experimental or even alternative to the norm, this is not the EP for you. If you want classic synthpop for your buck, please continue.

Even though the EP is named after the first track, "Arizona Lights", the best track, and quite the hit, is the third track "Salvation". Here you will have four minutes and six seconds of absolutely perfect synthpop. A strong chorus and a great melody is all you need, but as most of you know by now, achieving that is hard, but here Machinista have managed to produce quite the gem. Which possibly is the reason that four of the remixes has been made for this track. FutureFrenetic made a dancefloor version of the track that actually sounds very Code 64 (RIP) and even though I find it a little rough around the edges, I would say, going back to my thesis before, keep this remix, skip the rest.

"Arizona Lights" and "Pushing The Angels Astray" can't keep up the speed with "Salvation" in this space race, but are worthy of both your time and attention. However, "Wasted (EP Version)", despite some nice sounds, has to be dragged over the finish line by the rest of the team of songs.

This EP does well of showing off the potential Machinista and if John and Richard continue to grind and grind for that perfect melody and that amazing chorus, the full-length album could be worth looking forward to. Heja Sverige! Feb 25 2014