Massa Confusa - Two Man Machine album review

(This is an older review written for NE Volume in 2016)


Already well known in the Newcastle scene for their creative blend of DIY punk and electronic styles, Massa Confusa are a two piece post punk project consisting of members Ally Morton and Matt O’Brien. “Two Man Machine” is their second full-length offering so far.

Opening the album is the dark and somewhat aggressive “Dark World” which features some very moody and heavy guitars. The chorus also holds some of the only shouting style vocals on the album, however they’re used to great effect as Morton exclaims his distaste for the world he tried to make his way in. Next up is probably one of the best cuts on the record in my opinion, “Rock Paper Scissors” is a track that begins with an almost 90s industrial feel to its instrumentation. After the intro we’re given a lead guitar and aggressive vocal combination that gives the track an extra punchy feel.

Two Man Machine is a perfect album for showing off the style and skill of Massa Confusa, ultimately making them a treat to the local scene. Their ability to combine an already outstanding post punk style with what almost sounds like a 90s industrial electro backdrop is best represented on this album with tracks such as “27” “Conjuncture” and the aforementioned “Rock Paper Scissors”. Added to an already impressive mix of styles are the social and political undertones that appear on the album, with tracks like “Conjuncture” and “Beauty” being very clear with their social messages.

Overall, “Two Man Machine” is a solid record. Gorgeous, dark and stylistically beautiful, it’s an album that really puts light on the ability of Massa Confusa.