Chicago's ANALONG MACHINE used to be 18 SPEED TRANNY. Maybe you've heard of 'em. They released three DIY records, and generated a pretty good buzz around themselves. Their former, more memorable moniker may have been ditched, but it's can't be denied that their new name suits their raw, stripped down sound to a "t." For those of you in the dark, this band provides straight up, trucker hat wearing, beer guzzling stoner rock; the perfect background music to lose brain cells to.

Performances on this record are also perfectly suited for the music. Impressive are the feel changes found in "BFD," which are handled deftly by all three musicians involved. Guitarist/vocalist Ken Harlev steals the show with a strong, tuneful voice reminiscent of Craig (ROADSAW) Riggs, especially on the comparatively dirgy "War Song." A quick and furious celebratory blast of wheels and wah wah, "'69 GTO" makes its case for best track of the album. While this disc may have been self-released, the presence of producer Sanford (BURIED AT SEA, MINSK) Parker behind the boards proves that this ain't no rinky-dink operation.

While there is little to separate ANALOG MACHINE from the many bands working today cut from the KYUSS cloth, those unjaded to genuine, honest rock n' roll are guaranteed to have a good time listening to this record. This is also a band you can tell just rips it up live, so check 'em out when they come to your town.

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/analogmachine69

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