Static of the Gods
"Knowledge Machine"
delVerano Records
myspace.com/staticofthegods 
 

AUGUSTA, GA - Following on the heels of 2005’s "Nature of the Wave" and 2007’s "Cycles Follow Signs," the newest release by Static of the Gods, known as "Knowledge Machine," evokes deep emotional longing and a bit of sadness. But this album also has some of the best straightforward lyrics, simply putting to music what many people have felt in relationships. This is the true allure of "Knowledge Machine."

Just to get it out of the way, the only real drawback about "Knowledge Machine" is the somewhat similarity of every song to the next, perhaps exacerbated by singer Jen Johnson’s monotone singing style. But don’t let this turn off anyone from listening to this album because there is quite a bit more to it than the surface.

Recorded in a paradox of a country setting with modern technology and wrought from their emotional turmoil, which is very evident on this record, the Boston-based three piece fills all eleven tracks on "Knowledge Machine" with a ton of raw feeling. This is what makes this record so marvelous and stand-alone.

Having worked with famed Radiohead producer Matthew Ellard, Static of the Gods have obviously taken something from that experience, and while female-fronted the band speak to fans of the more electronic-infused indie-emo genre of music, bringing to mind everything from Portishead to Postal Service. Yet they have their own sound very unique to them.

The album begins with the overwhelming soft electro sound of “Rest Your Head.”  This song opens a floodgate of sweet pop sounds mixed with the enticing voice of Jen Johnson. She really belts it out, leaving her voice to linger with the fan long after the song has delved into an instrumental solo. “Talk You Down” continues in this same vein but with an exquisite, memorable chorus. Very haunting and delicious. Other tracks like “Hollowheart” are more reminiscent of an early-'90s indie rock sound or perhaps some of the more mood-driven grunge of a few years later. In sharp contrast, “Church Bells” is ultra-catchy and closer to a New Wave sound. And still other tracks like “Fire-Eater” and “Between the Reasons” take on new challenges of sound and composition.

With a combination of haunting vocals, personal yet relevant lyrics, and a moody indie-electronic sound, Static of the Gods create a vision of the soul with "Knowledge Machine" that anyone can relate to and feel touch their lives. And while a ‘knowledge machine’ is actually a computer, it is also very much the human mind that composed these powerful songs.