Juice Machine & Andrew Quitter — Self Titled

Eugene, Oregon's Juice Machine and Andrew Quitter (Regosphere, Dumpsterscore) have teamed up for this two track, drifting, droning piece of electronics. With Andrew manning the synthesizers and Juice Machine handling the electronics, the effort shows two acts playing well with each other to produce an engaging release that grows with each listen. Whether in the background or getting one's full attention, this self-titled collaboration makes for an enjoyable 45 or so minutes.

Composed of two long form, live tracks, this release takes its time building, droning, and oscillating its way into the listener's brain. Synth drones ebb and flow while warbling electronics dance on the analog tide. The beauty here is in the restraint. Not falling victim to the common trap of overstuffing with sound, all layers are given breadth to grow and be heard. Sparse and spacey at times while quick, vibrant, and video gamey at others, "Live at Slithis Studios" captures their dynamic and showcases it quite well. Not built too differently on the whole, "Live at The Boreal" takes a lower, darker approach. Electronic flourishes are still fairly bright, but head in a deeper direction more often than in the preceding track. This is the sound that Bamboo probably heard in their disco jam, "Space Ship Crashing." Bubbling and oozing on the inside, leaking vital gases and fluids outside, instruments wailing in distress, this descent can only end one way.

Subtle and effective, Juice Machine & Andrew Quitter's offering captures two Eugene artists playing very well together. Recorded within a week in 2014, I'd be interested in hearing what another collaboration would bring. Redeeming themselves in my eyes after the Mayan Apocalypse release, Forever Escaping Boredom hit the nail on the head with this one.