Age of the Machine is the electro-synth side project of Lee Maguire from the band Mercury Machine and, frankly, his nom de guerre says it all. This is a formidable, implacable, immovable entity, with a gridiron muscularity caged around clever configurations of intertwining melodies. Ascend evokes Harold Faltermayer’s legendary 80’s synth-pop soundtracks (Running Man, Top Gun etc) but stands assuredly beyond any lingering shadow that such works may cast, its rolling pulsating modulations mounting towards a climax of coldblooded efficacy.

-Louis Barabbas (freshonthenet.co.uk)

Ladies and gentlemen there are other worlds out there,distant planes and far away planets. One day we will live in outer space and our children will be safe,our lands unmolested and we will be at peace with each other. Listening to Starfall made me a believer,it gave me hope for all our tomorrows,in fact I would go as far as to say that it cheered me up,made me feel better about myself and kissed me on the cheek (face) with the power of a synth and drum machine-Corking! Age of the Machine is Lee Maguire from Manchester and he not only has a fine track record in the game he also knows how to charm you with his synth - layers of blissful 80's inspired key bending that build and build and then build a little more for good measure-Future retro synth gorgeousness.

-Johnno Casson (freshonthenet.co.uk)

"Beautiful - I feel like I'm under water when I listen to her”
Nabihah Iqbal, BBC 6 Music

Emily Magpie is an artist, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Bristol creating alt pop delving into different dimensions. She released her album 'There Are Other Forms of Strength' on Def Pressé in 2024 and has received support from tastemakers including Tom Ravenscroft, Deb Grant, Nabihah Iqbal and Emily Pilbeam on BBC 6, NPR, Crack Magazine and Apple playlists.

Following the album’s release, Emily and her band enjoyed showcasing the LP across the UK whilst supporting fellow Bristolian, Dizraeli. They also appeared at some incredible festivals including Green Man, Shambala, Nozstock and Bristol Harbour Festival on the Amphitheatre Stage

Bitmap is a band made from just one man. Luke Barwell is that man.

Releasing a brand new track every month since January 2020 and aiming to continue until, at least the end of 2022. 

Luke is formerly a member of John Peel favourites Salako.

The first two Bitmap albums - Alpha Beta Gamma & Micro / Macro - and the EP - Black Arts in the Town Hall - are available to buy on CD via BandCamp. Follow the link for cut-price joy.

NME said:
How does a modern petunia stand out from the hanging basket? Does he go down the Pavement "writing songs while sleep-walking" approach, sonic terror dentistry or a little bit of "analogue synths go bloop"? Bitmap try all approaches. If Bitmap could change their name to The Beta Band, thousands would hail this as the album that finally confirmed their potential.(8/10)

The Sunday Times Magazine said:
Fitting neatly alongside the classic harmony-drenched summer sound of The Thrills, Bitmap offers an alternative that is equally seasonal. Alpha Beta Gamma is a delight. Basically it's the album we've all been hoping the Beta Band would make. Smart electronic noodling underpins old-school melodic pop that veers from easy listening to weird psychedelic workouts. As with so much frothy pop, there's a darker twist to the lyrics. (Pop CD of the Week - *****)

Stevie Toddler is a Bristol based bassist, singer and songwriter.

Mothertongue are a 6 piece pop/prog/art/rock fiasco from Manchester, who have been having bouts of nervous hysteria on stages together since around 2013.

Mothertongue make theatrical progressive pop, and sound a bit like Edward Lear having a row with the Cardiacs in Glenn Miller's bathtub.

Debut album "Unsongs" is out now on Bad Elephant records. Get it at http://mothertonguemusic.bandcamp.com/

Mother Tongue are:
Louis - Vox/Guitars
Mark - Guitars
John - Drums
Will - Bass/Vox
Phil - Guitars/Vox
Andy - Trumpet/Cornet

I am a musician based in Brighton. I play with various bands but mainly with The Miserable Rich and Sons of Noel and Adrian which are two bands that form part of Brighton's Willkommen Collective. I play now and again with the Mumford and Sons and Liam Bailey live bands. I do an eclectic assortment of other musical things when I'm not playing with the bands and I'm posting up some of it here. There's a bit of songwriting, some more electronic work and a bit of film music which is something I'd really like to get more into. For better or for worse I'm a musical cameleon. The dancier things are by Atticus Crease for the time being.

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