
Arliston’s “Disappointment Machine” is like a black-and-white photograph that captures the chaos of modern life with eerie simplicity. From the first note, you’re drawn into a world of existential musings and self-awareness, wrapped in lush instrumentation. For a band self-described as “sad song specialists,” they sure make despair sound beautiful.
What sets “Disappointment Machine” apart is its relatability. Who among us hasn’t been caught in a cycle of repetitive behavior, hoping for different outcomes but finding disappointment instead? Ratcliffe and Hasbury explore this with a deft hand, pairing melancholic melodies with lyrics that cut right to the bone. The idea of trying to minimize your problems only to find they loom larger is both frustratingly familiar and oddly comforting.
The accompanying music video deserves a standing ovation. The story of a monk abandoning his cloistered life for adventure could have easily veered into cliché, but directors Freya Lewis and Milly Ruston deliver something fresh and compelling. As the monk realizes that his quest for connection might be a mirage, you can’t help but see yourself in his earnest but misguided journey. It’s humor with a heartbreak chaser.
Musically, Arliston is at their peak here. The crisp production and subtle flourishes evoke The National, but with a raw intimacy that’s entirely their own. The instrumentation ebbs and flows, mirroring the emotional push-and-pull of the lyrics. Hasbury’s production work is especially noteworthy, adding depth without overshadowing the song’s delicate emotional core.
With “Disappointment Machine,” Arliston has delivered a track that’s as thoughtful as it is gorgeous. It’s a poignant reminder that while life’s disappointments might feel inevitable, they’re also what make us human. And if we’re lucky, we can find some beauty in the struggle.
Comments