The Wytches have long held a distinct place in the UK music landscape, fusing dark, psychedelic metal with blazing surf-rock. The band’s new single, ‘Talking Machine’—which is the lead single from their upcoming album with the same name—marks their comeback with a sound that is both incredibly familiar and refreshingly unadulterated.
This song strips away the glitz and glamour of contemporary production in favour of a gritty, live-recorded vibe that harkens back to the punchy, straightforward energy of their early work. It’s a deep-dive into a menacing and driving rhythm section, accompanied with powerful guitars. The simplicity and directness of the song are its strongest points. The drumming is a relentless, driving force, and the bassline is more guttural.
The song has a surprisingly topical and reflective meaning beneath its chaotic exterior thanks to frontman Kristian Bell‘s clever lyrical comparison between Thomas Edison’s “Tone Tests” for gramophones, and the current anxiety surrounding artificial intelligence. Without compromising the band’s distinctive, high-energy aggression, it makes a powerful statement about authenticity in the digital age.
While respecting their identity, the single is a potent illustration of The Wytches’ evolution as artists. A return to form for the entire album is promised by this audacious reaffirmation. For fans of dirty rock, dark psych, and unpolished music, ‘Talking Machine’ is the perfect track to add to your favourites playlist.
Words by C. Sharmishtha
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