From the Reviews section

A few things that immediately and refreshingly pop into mind about 21 seconds into this record: 1) that 90’s brand of (often Midwestern) noise-snark stomped out by godheadSilo, Tar, Hammerhead, Rapeman, Steel Pole Bathtub, Killdozer, and the Laughing Hyenas, 2) endearing earnestness and dorkiness of that scene, and the whole Albini Army for that matter, and most importantly, 3) that this record is loaded front to back with excellent music/lyrics and excellent band dynamics all over it.

Machines Will Always Let You Down is a refreshing listen start to finish. It’s got that type of songwriting, musicianship, and execution, not to mention spot-on and loud recording done by Unwound/PNMV dude, Vern Rumsey, that doesn’t come around too often in a bands career. Not to mention the dead-on mixing by bassist Ben Adrian.

Topically, it’s kind of a combination rant on topics ranging from technology to loneliness/malaise, urban living to laziness, paranoia and coolness. While that sounds like a heavy list of topics, this is a clever and humorous record. Song title highlights are Delicious Fornicake, Assloads of Unrespect, Outrage Fatigue. At their best, and this record is their best, Replicator pound out, pummel, and swagger heavily and otherwise produce engaging and powerful music that’s as good as the best from the list above, if a little timelier.

This is the record I wish Shellac would’ve just made, or rather, this record is exactly on par with where Shellac were when they released At Action Park. Replicator are vets themselves now, having been a band for nearing a decade, and this is by far their most cohesive piece of work. They’re at their best when they keep the bombast levels at 9.6, and talk about the frustrations of technology, and nail out a song in three minutes. Occasionally it comes too close to its influences, but not ever to the point of full-on aping, just pay a wee bit too much tribute to the Fargo/Minneapolis/Chicago noise warriors who preceded them. This CD comes in a beautiful package courtesy of the Stumptown printing outfit in Portland, and marks one of three brand new releases for newish Olympia Washington label Radio is Down.

-Josh Vanek

Thanks Josh!