Each day we’re surrounded by more and more talk of automation, mechanism and repetition. Sequenced beats, be they crisp and clinical or lo-fi and minimal, are doing their utmost to appear human – themes that appear at the intersection of the music versus technology Venn diagram.
With this in mind, it was with great solace that RELLA allowed me to press pause on the programme and revel in the delicacy and human imperfections of Machine; on the surface, a simple and soulful plea to the listener, possibly for approval. However, RELLA deserves real credit for creating a living, breathing conversation between haunting guitar and honest vocals, with minute imperfections laid bare, helping the performance speak directly to you.
Place all devices out of reach, close your eyes and take three and a half minutes to feel like a sole human being. If you’re fortunate enough to be in Detroit in December, catch RELLA live at El Club on the 7th and 31st.
This review of Machine by RELLA was originally posted on the Somewhere Soul Music Blog.