An all-acoustic EP from Brooklyn-based artist E.W. Harris, Machine Living in Relief enjoyably contrasts intimate, warming folk productions with perspectives on a society becoming increasingly influenced by AI/robots. The release is the latest in a five-album series, taking place in a “romantic dystopia” called Rocket City. Machine Living in Relief offers a glimpse into an uncertain future, seamlessly blending existential musings on transhumanism, memory, and addiction with a narrative that challenges the boundaries between human and machine.
“Sooner or Later” sets the EP into enjoyable motion with a palpable sense of momentum. “Let’s talk about you for awhile,” an enchanting vocal presence lets out amidst frolicking guitars. The ensuing “when our time expires,” vocal invigoration soars — gripping in both its melodic charisma and thematic ruminations on mortality. The ensuing “Chemical Fire” further explores a machine-like living within Rocket City — where AI may have once been human or may be desperately trying to emulate human traits in a world that has outlived its creators. “I’m still me, but I’m mostly machine,” Harris’ vocals admit, arriving into a title-touting passion with added acoustic layers.
Another highlight, “Accidents Repeating” emits a more somber folk fluttering, again artfully conveying a blurring between human and machine. The lyrics depict struggles with malfunctioning systems, leaking “love” like an overheating machine. “Just someone stop the pump from overheating / And accidents repeating,” Harris sings, repeating that title-touting entrancement with stirringly emotive charm. Machine Living in Relief is a masterfully crafted EP from E.W. Harris, providing consuming depictions of humanity-machine dichotomies within riveting folk productions.
Stream the EP on your platform of choice here.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
