Album Review: Ciaran Smyth – Like a Machine

Ciaran Smyth – Like a Machine

Former Little Nightmare guitarist Ciaran Smyth decided to pursue a solo career last year after the break-up of his band. Based on his second EP, Like a Machine, this was a very wise move for the Dunshaughlin native. Taking some of his queues from the Mars Volta with a little bit of Killing Heidi thrown in, Smyth makes accomplished melodic rock with strong choruses and stronger riffs.

Opener ‘Million Soldiers’ has a classical feel to it, and it’s here that the Mars Volta influence really comes through. But for all his influences and inspirations, these four songs are truly Smyth’s own, led by his articulate vocal. You’ll really believe him when he intones “There is no God.” Bouncy piano guides the splendid ‘Nothing From a Fire’, a relentless pop tune, with a gorgeous breakdown.

The best song on here is a duet with Aimee Monroe from Dublin/London pop-rockers Hello Monroe. Their vocals blend beautifully, and perhaps this could be the start of a wonderful collaboration? The title track ends things a bit more calmly, and is a piece of stripped-back balladry. Well, at least for the first half a minute, then it becomes a more melodic, much softer, Serj Tankian tune. Yes, I did just mention System of a Down in a pop-rock review. But it’s pretty well apt.

Like a Machine is a collection of songs which should bring Ciaran Smyth’s name much more attention. The EP is an immediately appealing effort, which still rewards after repeated listens, and features one of the best duets I’ve heard in a long time.

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Tags Aimee Monroe bandcamp Ciaran Smyth Hello Monroe Ireland Pop Pop-Rock Rock