Ever since I first discovered the grip The National’s Matt Berninger’s voice had on me, I wondered if there’d be anyone else with that same ability. I found it in Arliston‘s Jack Ratcliffe. ‘Disappointment Machine’ is all but a disappointment.
His soaring, crackling voice breaks through my speakers and folds itself around me, I slowly get swallowed by ‘Disappointment Machine’ and its soft, angelical soundscape supports me while I slide onto a bed of moss in a forest of warm keynotes and alternative compositions. Emotive doesn’t begin to cover it. Being the title track of the musical duo’s debut album, I am unsure if I’ll ever be ready for the emotional rollercoaster this album will undoubtedly be. The introspective and intimate piece further confirms the evocative way Arliston builds worlds through their music.
‘Disappointment Machine’ revolves around the relatable idea of repeating patterns of behaviour that many of us fall into, whether that’s by choice, accident, or simple refusal to change. The band explain; “This song gets into the repeated pattern of behaviour which leads mechanically and invariably to disappointment. It also attempts to put into context the fact that it’s a ‘tiny problem’ and does not matter, but despite the attempts to minimise it, the feelings remain the same.”
This new release is one I can physically feel on my skin as its tones and compositions progress and play with subtle synth-driven elements. These sad song specialists won’t know the extent to which they hold power over their listeners by completely opening up, incising our hearts and uncovering all of its elements that need a little extra comfort, understanding.
Whether listeners are going through the fray right now, anticipating what’s to come, or reflecting on the confusion of their past, the relatability of Arliston’s song writing is undeniable.
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