Boy Harsher - Machina
It feels like it's been some time since she last released a full-length with 2019's Careful, but it's not. They will have been totally absent from the creative scene as 2022 saw the launch of a multimedia project that included a short film and soundtrack under the name The Runner, which "follows a strange woman as she travels to a secluded, rural town where her violent compulsions are slowly revealed" (NUDE CLUB RECORDS, 2022). Now, after the winddown from production, Boy Harsher is looking to get back to music (for the time being), and with that comes a collection of reimaginings and remixes of Machina (2024) off The Runner soundtrack. The original version of 'Machina' is a glitzy rewind back to the days of fluorescent suits, gaudy gold chains, and when Miami was the height of cool. The duo goes all the way back to the golden era with the help of BOAN and the vocal styling of Marina Saldaña, with one of the most unapologetically fun outings the duos have ever graced us with.
Neon synths shoot skywards with electric energy, creating a technicolour rainbow of floating clouds that hang above the wicked italo vocals. Coming outside their comfort zone, the vocals on 'Machina' radiate a different kind of passion and freedom than the usual fair. The faux-purity to the whole thing screams bombastic, pre-Internet excess. The track is a fun departure from previous tracks by the duo, which does run the risk of alienating some of their audience. What they gain from this is a sidestep may prove more valuable when attracting new fans who prefer more creamy crystalline power chords that refract like disco balls. The sexy retro floor filler is the best way to be transported directly to the 80s, and with its unstoppable energy, it's not hard to imagine it transplanted into the Vice City soundtrack.
The single comes with two instrumentals and two remixes. The 'Dark Mix' adds a bit more Gothic edge, keeping it in line with the rest of the band's discography. With more mood, this will be a favourite of the black-clad amongst you, and you could say the dark mix is the sisters of mercy to the originals Talk Talk. The 'Soft Crash Remix' is much more club-ready, with fat kick drums signalling that from the off. Soft Crash doesn't stray too far from what makes the original magical. However, the buildup is a particular highlight, especially with a drop that becomes practically operatic. While I always applaud new creative endeavours, seeing more stand-alone music from the duo is nice, so this set of reimaginings is a great way to reengage the fan base.
Tracklist:
Machina ft. Marina Saldaña
Machina ft. Marina Saldaña - Dark Mix
Machina ft. Marina Saldaña - Soft Crash Remix
Machina ft. Marina Saldaña - Instrumental
Machina ft. Marina Saldaña - Dark Mix - Instrumental
Label: NUDE CLUB RECORDS (2024)
Boy Harsher - Machina