‘Get Smash or Die Trying’ is the debut EP from London-based rockers Lion Machine 23.
The brainchild of lead vocalist Daland Jones. Lion Machine 23 were created after Daland felt his previous band Armada Cosmica had gone as far as they could.
Following successful shows in South America at events like Lolapalooza & Personal Fest and support slots alongside the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Cage the Elephant, Daland started to look for something new to project his sound in the English Music scene.
After a move to North-London Daland is back with Lion Machine 23 and a real Britpop-come-grunge sound which is so easy to get on with.
‘Get Smash or Die Trying’ is the band’s debut EP and with sold out shows at classic venues like the Camden Assembly and the Hawley Arms under their belt, it looks like the record is being well received.
I can see why too! With a sound very reminiscent of the like of Oasis, Blur and maybe a bit of Supergrass thrown in there. ‘Get Smash or Die Trying’ is a super introduction to what this band are capable of.
Throughout the record rocky guitars and driving percussion form the bedrock of Lion Machine 23’s sound.
But the reason I bring up Blur and Supergrass is simply because of the tried and trusted vocals from Daland. Yes, the guitars and crashing symbols will take your mind immediately to the Gallaghers, but his vocals tie the whole thing together in a perfect marriage.
Listening to Daland sing I’m hugely reminded of Albarn in his pomp or ‘Caught By The Fuzz’-era Gaz Coombes.
In terms, of the EP, the standout tracks are ‘Balloons’ and ‘Fucking Under the Water’ two readymade belters for the band’s new legions of fans to hang their caps on.
You can really imagine these belting out over a heaving mass somewhere soon. And I honestly hope I am one of that heaving mass.