NY Post-Hardcore Scene Takes Notice
Band: Modern-Day Machines
Genre: Post-Hardcore, Emo, Punk
For fans of: Senses Fail, Sianvar, Saosin
Founded: 2019
From: NYC
“Inside and Out” is the latest single from New York alternative band Modern-Day Machines. It follows their tradition of edgy, high-energy rock tracks that really resonate emotionally.
The band is able to turn a somber or stressed-out headspace into an engaging sound thanks to their impassioned vocal performances and guitar work. This latest single in particular really draws the listener in by alternating between a stripped-down verse and a hard-hitting chorus.
With one EP (Visitor, 2021) under their belt and another EP on the way, this group is an easy add for anyone looking to spice up their alternative playlist.
Songwriting Process
“I didn’t start writing these songs thinking, ‘Oh I want them to be post-hardcore,'” explains Patrick Wakie (vocals, bass). “I was just writing whatever felt right to me at the time, which I think innately kind of had a lot of emotion to the songs.”
“It wasn’t until our producer Adam said, ‘Oh you guys are definitely post-hardcore or emo’ that I was like, ‘Yeah that makes sense.'”
During our interview, we all agreed that so many different sounds fit under the post-hardcore umbrella these days that it is hard to pin down the sound anymore. This latest single will make established post-hardcore fans happy, but the band still brings their own unique take on the genre.
Between the single and their EP Visitor, there’s a very clear artistic voice, but a lot of variety as well. “Carve Your Name,” for example, evokes mid-2000s emo bands like Senses Fail, while “You Can’t Get There From Here” begins as an acoustic ballad and builds to a heavy crescendo.
“I feel like I write music without necessarily choosing to. When I’m doing anything else, there’s always some song or some melody that’s happening in my head.”
-Patrick Wakie, vocals, bass
Behind the Inspiration
“Playing guitar is my escape,” says Rose Couchon (lead guitar). “It’s one of the few things that can really just help my mind escape from everything else.”
Especially with genres like this that address topics like anxiety, depression, or existential dread, the music is not just a pastime. It is a necessity. “I can’t imagine not making music,” says Patrick.
Just like Modern-Day Machines uses songwriting as an escape, it is easy for the listener to escape into their songs. The band makes lyrical, tonal, and compositional choices that fully draw you in. Their subtle use of distortion, reverb, and dissonance can be grating in just the right way.
“Friends will come up to me after a show and say, wow you’re really on another planet when you’re playing aren’t you? And honestly I am.”
-Rose Couchon, lead guitar
Thoughts on the NY Hardcore Scene
Modern-Day Machines have been active in the New York underground alternative scene for almost five years now. They’re happy to report that the scene is flourishing, even more now than in recent years.
“Bands are popping up left and right,” says Rose. “Everyone supports each other, it’s really not competitive.”
Patrick: “Post-pandemic, people are like, ‘We need to be out experiencing music again.'”
Rose: “It’s definitely something we had taken for granted, and I think a lot of people in the scene now acknowledge that.”
The band pointed out that many east-coast cities have thriving alternative and hardcore scenes (they mentioned Philly for example). Stay on the lookout for future releases from Modern-Day Machines and other innovative bands emerging from this freshly-rejuvenated scene.
What's Next For Modern-Day Machines
Modern-Day Machines are recording a new EP called Resident, which will be released before the end of 2023. “Inside and Out” was released in July as the first single from the EP, and considering it’s perhaps their most attention-grabbing song so far, you’d be right to have high hopes for Resident.
Upcoming Shows
• 9/23/23 @ Richmond Tattoo – Staten Island, NY
• 10/1/23 @ Faber Park – Staten Island, NY
• 10/7/23 @ Mother Pugs – Staten Island, NY
• 11/11/23 @ Lucky 13 – Brooklyn, NY
• 11/18 – Quincy, MA
Please support Modern-Day Machines by streaming their music, attending their shows, or buying merch!
Thank you for reading and for supporting independent music!
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