Originally set for release way back in February, then June and now August, Shock Machine’s debut self titled record has sent anticipators on a bit of a journey before even hearing it! Now finally within the public domain, we can see if Klaxons, James Righton’s (AKA Shock Machine) solo project has been worth the wait!

Following the rather brutal splitting of The Klaxon’s back in 2015, it is brilliant to see Righton getting straight back into the scene after announcing that, following the breakup, he “Didn’t know if I [James] wanted to do music any more”. The earlier parts of the record ‘Open Up The Sky’ and ‘Unlimited Love’ introduce us to the underlaying etherial sonics that drive the record which James has been trying to expand upon. Being part of such an influential group will always leave you with the one trick pony stigma and, whilst there are undoubtedly elements from the previous sound, the tracks certainly hold a sense of uniqueness through James’ delightful hazy voice and over looming aura synth, bordering more on what feels like a new wave Tame Impala track than anything else.

The ten-piece track list is pretty solid across the board and the shorter run time certainly makes it one you can re -listen to without feeling like an ongoing chore. A three track running of ‘Lost In The Mystery’, ‘Let Her Love In’ and ‘First of May’ blend particularly brilliantly with each other and, for myself, encapsulate the record’s entire feel in a far more condensed package. ‘Lost In The Mystery’ provides a lovely initial pulse to the piece through a dampened bassline and piercing piano which soon develops into a full sound which really captivates the mind’s attention. So many artists attempting to redefine their sound follow bizarre routes which only produces records which feel nothing but rushed and incomplete. However James seems to have found a brilliant combination of ingenuity and freshness without straying too far into the unknown. The spark of individualism only continues through ‘First of May’, where the simulated synth recreating buzzing of bees is something which I keep finding myself smiling to. The track is definitely a peak on the record is something I can see many adding to their summer blues playlists; once again the hints of psychedelic inspiration seem to be there, but certainly don’t overshadow the track, it feels unique and purely James Righton through and through.

Shock Machine is a definite work in progress towards a new stage in James’ career and feels more like opening an entirely new book rather than an epilogue from the Klaxons or someone merely clinging onto any slither or fame. James is doing his own thing and making it work for him and the bigger choruses within ‘Fire Up My Heart’ are aspects that I can see fans falling for. This one feels like it deserves to be played on festival mainstages across the country through not only its catchy nature, but the electric pulse and overarching harmonies which are just something you hve to dance along to!

There is no denial that this album is not perfect, but nor does it try to be. James has openly claimed that the entire basis of Shock Machine is more an experiment and challenge of his own capabilities. The record covers the topic of change brilliantly and James has certainly encountered his fair share of change, whether it be through losing a band, becoming a father with his wife, Kiera Knightly, or overcoming your demons by producing a record in an isolated cabin in the south of France. Whatever your stance on this record, you’ve got to give the guy an immense amount of credit for trying.

Shock Machine may not be a name you’re familiar with now, but I can assure you, the road is still looking bright and long for James Righton, and Shock Machine is certainly another step in the right direction on this man’s ongoing musical journey. I look forward to seeing just what Shock Machine will eventually morph into as I feel that the name will soon become something incredibly special for many. An experiment that was more than worth waiting for.

Ben Walker

Website: shock-machine.com
Facebook: facebook.com/shockmachineofficial
Twitter: twitter.com/Shock_Machine