Sixpence None the Richer - My Dear Machine EP (Review)
Album cover for Sixpence None the Richer's My Dear Machine EP.
After 2004’s breakup, fans doubted a quick return for Sixpence None the Richer. Sixpence, an alternative pop group featuring members Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum, abruptly left fans with only four studio albums and a greatest hits compilation. Lead singer, Leigh Nash, took on a solo project, while Matt Slocum fashioned a new band called The Astronaut Pushers. Each sub-project released a record, but only found moderate success compared to that of their previous collaboration, Sixpence. This could be one of the reasons they decided to regroup; the success of the partnership, the magic of the teamwork. Whatever the reasons, Sixpence officially returned to the scene this year under an independent guise, producing a new release called the My Dear Machine EP.
The very first guitar lines of the self-titled opening track hit me with a strong revelation; Sixpence should have been indie all along. Something about these new songs feel so natural and right; the careful production, the freedom of experimentation. All of these new characteristics steal the attention of the listener, but can’t entirely hide remnants of the old sound underneath (which isn’t a bad thing). This first track is a prime example of this intertwining of new and old. Distorted brass and jangling guitar chords inter-explode and form a gripping aura of sound. It’s all fronted by the always amazing and noticeably original lyrics that Sixpence is known for. Depth, relate-ability, etc.
The second track, “Amazing Grace (Give It Back),” is a bit more mellow, but still follows the impressive trend of rich soundscapes and excellent lyricism. It’s fueled by heavy piano and Nash’s haunting voice, appropriately cresting and then resting to emphasize the heartfelt drag. “Sooner Than Later,” the next tune in the EP tracklist, seems a bit more pop-sounding, remaining mainly acoustic and focusing on a strong, memorable melody. It’s still good, but it just seems a little unlike them to have these type of tendencies. Overall, it’s very pleasant though.
My Dear Machine EP gets a score of 5 of 6 waves.
The EP closes with “Around.” This one is mesmerizing and wintry, decorated with bittersweet bells and visceral vocal arrangements. It’s appropriately the lengthiest track on the set, clocking in at just under four and a half minutes. Everything about the song is dead-on; arrangement, production, overall tone. It’s just plain stunning. And it certainly leaves you wanting more.
Why Sixpence ever stepped out of the spotlight in the first place is a mystery to me. It seems that Nash and Slocum just belong together, seeming to have reconnected with ease and avoided making anything seemed forced or contrived. Fortunately, this EP looks to be just the beginning for the duo. For this reunion, we the fans are the richer.
(Important note: This EP is only available through NoiseTrade, which can be accessed here.)
