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Writer's pictureSammie Starr

Album Review: VEER - 'Soft Machines'

Updated: Jul 26, 2023

Maryland hard-rock band VEER releases their second heavily nuanced and zestful full-release, Soft Machines.



VEER has known since 2016 what it takes to make a successful rock album. Since their inception and the creation of their album Apocalypse, Baby back in 2018, members Ronald Malfi, Ryan Fowler, Jon Malfi, and Christian Mathis have been creating chart-topping, award-winning experiences within the rock genre. Instrumentally molding a sound that is aggressively heavy to infectiously upbeat, behind such soundscapes lies a lyricism that is more perceptive and dark than one might imagine. In their newest album, VEER takes a deep dive into the atmospheric world of guitars and thought-provoking lyricism in Soft Machines.


Soft Machines is an incredible blend of soft and aggressive elements, accompanied by stunning ethereal nuances that perfectly capture the mood of each lyrical experience. VEER has put a lot of effort into creating a concept record that is truly something surreal and special with Soft Machines, demonstrating maturity and dedication to their craft.

The album begins with "Science." Retaining a lot of VEER's fractious edge, distorted guitar riffs, contagious grooves, and technical rhythms, VEER begins the album on a high note, providing a gateway for what's in store for the rest of the album.


Up next, "Red Tide" turns the energy down a bit, providing a tenebrous and gritty approach to their sound. Fitting well with the song's overall message about those who continue to make the same mistakes and never learn from them, VEER continues to show how good they are at balancing the moods within each listening experience and making the audience feel connected.


Songs like "Astronaut" and "Photograph" continue to uphold this beautiful nostalgic rock character to their instrumentalism that lends well to vocals and pained emotion in the lyrics. VEER has drastically evolved lyrically and instrumentally since their 2018 release, and the way they employ nuance and layering makes everything feel more intricate, composed and thought out than ever before.


"Carry On" is a beautiful change of pace on Soft Machines. A more stripped-down mix on the album pushes forward more of the raw components the band has to offer; it's a gorgeous tune to add to the record to show off the band's other creative capabilities.


Major highlights, "A New Place (Pretty Close)" and "Bring Me Life" are very different experiences on the record. Using various amounts of atmospheric touches and unique instrumentality that create a one-of-a-kind otherworldly experience, VEER has built upbeat and ethereal encounters that rival every other song on the album.


The album ends with the final tracks, "Figure It Out" and "Keep It Cool." A combination of beautifully immersive and melodically fierce, VEER puts the best of their creative sides at the end of the album, bringing the album to a stunning close.


Soft Machines is an incredible blend of soft and aggressive elements, accompanied by stunning ethereal nuances that perfectly capture the mood of each lyrical experience. VEER has put a lot of effort into creating a concept record that is truly something surreal and special with Soft Machines, demonstrating maturity and dedication to their craft.



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