The year was 2022. I was doom-scrolling in my bed when I came across this wild fan edit of a show using “Uzumaki”, a Machine Girl song from their album …Because I’m Young Arrogant and Hate Everything You Stand For, and I was enamored. I immediately ate up almost everything in their discography. It introduced me to a genre I’d never explored. To those that haven’t yet listened to them, Machine Girl’s sound lands somewhere between electric, hardcore, trance, and punk rock music. Each track that Machine Girl produces sounds like the fastest action game you have ever played. Their songs harmonize the lead singer Matt Stephenson’s bone-chilling vocals and rapid drum and bass from Sean Kelly, the percussionist.
You could only imagine my excitement when I heard they were coming out with their new album, MG Ultra, in October. Riding the success of their most recent project, (that being their assistance with the production of Neon White, a rogue-like action video game) they released their first studio album in 4 years. During their work on the project, the duo has refined their production and sound design. The album sounds significantly more clearer and concise as opposed to Machine Girl’s previous projects. Not only does it mark a new direction for the band, but it retains their identity as rebellious individuals and ultimately shatters the status quo.
“Until I die”, the album opener, sets the tone for the rest of the experience. The song begins with a whimsical beat before transitioning into the hardcore, punk style that Machine Girl is known for.
My dreams are all I have while reality’s collapsing
I won’t fold like a tesseract or like a deer in the high beams
I’m livin’ out of phase with this plane of existence
Casting shadows in a cave as an act of resistance
Within this first verse, we can interpret that the singer feels trapped. However, although they are trapped, they won’t give in to the rest of society’s needs and desires when they come at them head-on. I enjoyed the subtle reference to Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”, in which prisoners are chained inside a dark cave, forced to perceive the shadows in front of them of tradesmen as their only reality. Here, Machine Girl refers to their passion for music as a form of escapism to break out of the routine expected by societal norms.
“Schizodipshit,” another landmark song, truly sets the album apart. The song’s title might be a little on the nose, but its story follows that of someone who is close to breaking out and blazing a new trail.
I’ve seen the light, it’s as clear as the white of your eyes
My sources are tight, at first it was frightening
My darkest thoughts, crawled out of hiding
Everywhere online, my mantra guides me
“Schizodipshit” is a vulgar online term sometimes used to describe those who publish outlandish ideas on social media. Their ideas often challenge those which are commonly accepted by the public as the truth. These people, occasionally prosecuted for their erratic revelations, tend to stick to their own beliefs despite it all and defend themselves against onslaughts of criticism. It found it interesting to see a “Schizodipshit” portrayed as someone enlightened, who has “’seen the light’” versus someone who’s got a screw loose.
I would personally give this album a 10/10. There is so much more to explore and discover within the other songs of the album than just the few pieces that I discussed here.
Machine Girl’s unique rhythms each tell a different story, and they all hold a special place in my heart. I hope you can break free from your busy schedule for a spell to check them out!
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