12.

Secret Machines
Ten Silver Drops

Ten Silver Drops essentially takes the floaty progressive ‘indie-grunge’ (using grunge in it most loose sense) of Secret Machines’ (still rather excellent) debut Now Here is Nowhere and streamlines it. Gone are the wasteful expanses that flawed its predecessor. This is now a band with direction and poise. Nonetheless, Secret Machines could still be described as somewhat progressive. Certainly, one of the great joys of Ten Silver Drops is that it explores areas that many comparable bands wouldn’t even consider. However, there is a focus on the tune, and the development of songwriting skills in the band is stark. Plus (and Mars Volta would do well to consider this) there is a realisation that progressive music cannot be forced. Thus, when simple rock is what is required, Secret Machines show that they can deliver with aplomb (see the hit single in waiting, ‘Lightening Blue Eyes’). Equally, the band easily turn their hand to orchestral dalliances that sound wholly natural (see opener, ‘Alone, Jealous and Stoned’). ‘I Hate Pretending’ marries these elements, and as such is the starting point for the uninitiated. A real coming of age – one wonders whether they take the final step and become immortal.