ALBUM REVIEW: The Spontaneous Splendid – Washing Machina
Upcoming Swedish band WASHING MACHINA have just released their debut album The Spontaneous Splendid. The band themselves may have only formed three years ago but their music has quickly turned heads within the alternative rock scene with their blend of 90s rock and pop melodies, citing influences ranging from SONIC YOUTH to FOO FIGHTERS to THE SMASHING PUMPKINS. The Spontaneous Splendid is nostalgic and familiar and it brings a breath of fresh air to the rock community.
As the album opens with Steampunker the first thing the listener hears is alternative rock that has a build-up that feels like it’s heading somewhere inspiring. It’s immediately clear how much 90s rock music has inspired WASHING MACHINA, but there’s also some 00s influence in there, particularly in the way that it could be placed in a coming-of-age film from that era. Yet along with those earlier influences, there some aspects that draw comparison to MOVEMENTS’ Daylily, and overall it is just a beautiful sounding song.
What’s intriguing about WASHING MACHINA is that they never stick with one style for long and, while later revisiting some of them with a new take, they like to explore a different genre in whatever track follows next, so there’s no repetition. The Spontaneous Splendid can go from soft alternative rock, like in the opener as mentioned, but then in the next moment it could be exploring grunge and droning guitars, like in Twilight Zone, or even some funky beats like in closing track Ben Ruthie that also draws inspiration from psychedelic rock.
Yet no matter what genre the band visit, what will be guaranteed is the use of pop melodies that give the songs some otherworldly vibes, almost dream-pop at times. A perfect example is The Loop that, while starting out with grunge and alternative rock with guitar notes that make you think of STEREOPHONICS’ Dakota, goes on to bring in psychedelic sound effects that make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. Even in songs that have a more melancholic mood, such as Into The Dark, the melodies bring the mood up in a way that can be described as being given hope, but in a realistic way. It acknowledges the pain but reminds you that things will get better.
WASHING MACHINA might only just be getting started but it feels like they are confident and ready to show off their signature sound. The combination of rock and pop melodies is beautiful, almost ethereal, and we can already see them becoming a staple within the rock community that will inspire future artists. Mark these words.
Rating: 9/10
The Spontaneous Splendid is out now via Lovely Records.
Like WASHING MACHINA on Facebook.