"Machinery": Debut Track From Norwich's SPINELESS Is Equal Parts Ethereal And Industrial

Norwich's Spineless [photo: @enzos.jpegs]

Only forming in late 2024, Norwich based SPINELESS are still quite fresh to the scene, working mostly behind the scenes to deliver their dark alternative sound to as many people as possible. With a couple of shows now behind them, debut release "Machinery" should put the band firmly on your radar.

A lightly distorted guitar riff kicks things off - there's a particularly nostalgic sound to it, but I can't quite put my finger on why.

The full band joins, and the track blossoms. It has a cinematic edge to it - there is a slightly melancholic indie film just desperate to use this track for the ending scene. The band have done a great job capturing the aesthetic and the sound - it's something you can just stick on, lie down, and feel yourself floating away to.

In places, the track heavily reminds me of "Diana" by Chelsea Wolfe (from DC's 'Dark Knights: Death Metal' soundtrack), balancing ethereal vocals with heavy, industrial instrumentation. Vocalist Ziggy Waldron floats effortlessly over the guitars, coming across as almost comforting to the listener. There are moments where angst is teased, but it never fully shows, instead simply adding to the dynamic.

A slight breakdown towards the end picks up the tension, with industrial sounds blending with alt rock riffs. This borders on Nine Inch Nails territory, mixing groove with heaviness. This would no doubt sound great live, the band bouncing off each other here really well.

"Machinery" is out now [photo: Spineless]

It's hard to tell whether there is anything more to give when it ends - the ending feels like a natural stopping point, yet at the same time, I would happily sit and listen to a longer version.

"Machinery" is out NOW on streaming services