Maybe it was the music, but I had paisleys dripping from the treetops and the elves were on overtime. I knew somethin' was up when I heard the sitars droning in the distance, but when that cat started purrin' in my ears, well, I just about went crazy! Holy Eclectic Mix Of Odd Sounds, Batman! Yeh- heh-heh! Oh dude, I think I might be comin' down... oh yeah, here comes reality. She-it! It ain't pretty...

I can see the sense in using new and creative sound samplings in music. The desire to create lush landscapes of sound, rich with numerous textures, is one that should be nourished. Yet, I have misgivings about Macha's album, and I'd like to discuss them with you. It's an odd combination; experi-pop coated throughout with samples and synth bits more at home on yer average ambient album than with apathetically gasped vocals and lazy drums. What the ceaselessly repeated rhythms, mismatched samples and Stereolab-ish undercurrent do manage to create is a nondescript continuum of drone, lacking apex or valley. What to write about when I listen and listen and no special moment emerges? How to describe a desert in the sandstorm? I ask you, how?

Aside from the price of baskets, Macha ain't happening. It's a decent idea with potential greatness possible, but their production needs help and there needs to be an infusion of something that evasive spirit that much music lacks. Throw me a freakin' bone, people! Gimme somethin' to write about, fer chrissakes!

-James P. Wisdom