I love The Glad Machine. They've been with us since our inception, but in that time, this only the third album released. So it is a reason to celebrate. Following on from my Reviews of 2018's self titled joy (here) and 2022's Hey! (here).
They aren't a band that trails what's coming through months ahead PR and Social Media, an album just arrives and certainly, for a reviewer, that is a pleasant surprise. It is nice to hear things early, but some release dates are so far ahead at times, it is hard to keep track. For instance, I have 40 odd Albums in draft, almost two thirds have advance dates.
The Glad Machine specialise in melodic Pop Rock with a crunch. The main difference to peers is that crunch. Every song is beautifully performed, arranged and produced, all sing along joy, but it is the band's ability to step out with noisier riffs and solos that marks them out.
These songs are all sugar coated heaven. But there are also rockier affairs. The title track reminds me a lot of peak period Extreme, built around a razor sharp riff, but with a mega chorus and those choruses have always been the strength of this lot.
Gravity Sunshine also bursts in, but the chorus is all UK Glam Rock, handclaps and all. Can We Still Fall In Love This Summer is the anthem, a mix of AOR and Brit Pop that is totally engaging. Back To You is great Power Pop.
The big number is She Said, all 6 and a half minutes of it. It starts as a ballad, but builds and builds, adding a killer 70s Pop Rock solo. It really is great to have them back. I just wish that I could say that more often. Pop Rock gets criticised for being a bit mawkish, there is nothing of the sort here!
You can listen to and buy the album here. The CD is available from Friday 17 October on the Kool Kat label here.
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