I LOVE The Secret Machines. I dig the bombastic space-groove of their last two discs, and was blown away by their live show at last year’s Lollapalooza (anyone that can pull off that sort of spectacle in full daylight — including a full light show — deserves mucho respect).
I was excited to learn that the group was to enter the studio this Spring, but was stunned to learn the band would be doing so as a two-piece when I read the following from vocalist/keyboardist Brandon Curtis!
I am writing to make a couple of announcements. First of all I want to let everybody know that The Secret Machines have begun work on our third album. We expect to begin recording sometime in the beginning of May. Unfortunately, I also must share that after 7 and 1/2 years of playing music together Benjamin has decided to no longer be a part of the band. It is a sad day but also an exciting one as he prepares to focus full time on his new creative venture, School of Seven Bells. He has told me that he expects to be finished with a new record very soon as well as there being plans in the works to play some shows here in New York debuting the band. Of course Josh and I wish him all the best.
The (obvious) downside? Benjamin Curtis’ guitar work is pretty integral to the band’s sound. I suppose the parts are played by both brothers in the studio, but he’ll still be missed. The upswing? Maybe now i’ll have two awesome bands to choose from!
Thanks to Irene for the tip!