We Speak Music
Arliston ‘Disappointment Machine’ Is The Soundtrack to Your Existential Crisis (And You’ll Love Every Second of It)
Every now and then, an album comes along that feels like it was made for staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, wondering where it all went wrong. Arliston’s, Disappointment Machine, is that album—but in the best possible way. With its blend of atmospheric instrumentals and gut-punch lyricism, this debut is a love letter to anyone who has ever overthought a text message, regretted the one that got away, or found comfort in their own sadness.
Arliston, the London duo of Jack Ratcliffe and George Hasbury, have perfected the art of the slow burn. Their songs unfold gradually, each note and lyric sinking in like an old memory you can’t quite shake. Take ‘Scratches’, for example—it’s not just a song about a fight; it’s about the space between two people, the quiet waiting, the aching uncertainty. It’s devastatingly simple, yet completely mesmerizing.
But don’t mistake this album for pure sadness—there’s beauty in every note. Ratcliffe’s velvety vocals glide over Hasbury’s intricate arrangements, creating a soundscape that’s equal parts haunting and soothing. The production is meticulous, with each synth swell and piano chord placed just so, creating a world that feels rich, immersive, and impossibly cinematic.
The real magic of, Disappointment Machine, lies in its relatability. Arliston doesn’t just sing about love and loss; they capture the little moments that make heartbreak so painfully human. The hesitation before a goodbye. The quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, things could have been different. The way memories linger like a favorite song you can’t stop replaying.
If you’ve ever had your heart broken—or just like to pretend you have—this album will hit you in all the right places. Put on your headphones, dim the lights, and let, Disappointment Machine, remind you that sadness, when done right, can be absolutely breathtaking.
What happens when a guitarist decides to write the most brazen rock song he can think of? In Pembroke Tenneson’s case, the answer is “Sex Appeal”.
The title says plenty, but the song goes considerably further. Tenneson throws himself into a world of self-praise and outrageous confidence, with one boast following another. It is cheeky stuff, but there is a real affection for the music behind the joke.
Tenneson has talked about his love of the early-1970s rock sound that inspired the track, and that comes across in the attitude of the performance. He is not trying to make the song subtle. He wants the guitars, vocals and lyrics to have some swagger.
The best thing about “Sex Appeal” is that the humour never takes over completely. There is a brilliant rock song underneath all the showing off, and Tenneson clearly cares about making it sound authentic as well as making people smile.
That makes this an appealing introduction to his forthcoming material. “Sex Appeal” is the first of 14 original songs he has been developing, so there is plenty more on the way to look forward to.
For now, though, Tenneson has picked an entertaining way to reintroduce himself as an artist. “Sex Appeal” has attitude, a catchy refrain and enough cheek to make it stand out. Stream below (via Now Listen):
-
We Speak Music1 week agoKaciny Turns Heartbreak Into Catharsis With New Single “Rewind”
-
We Speak Filmmakers1 week agoMalhar Talwalkar Releases Award-Winning Short Film Pink Trees, Exploring Addiction, Recovery and Survival in Los Angeles
-
We Speak Music1 week agoErika Denae J Announces New Single “E’s Mood Pt. i & II,” First Chapter in a Four-Part Neo-Jazz Suite
-
We Speak Music1 week agoMoon Rocket Finds the Space Between Soul and Dancefloor on ‘Just Us Alone’