Formed in Manchester, Santiago Street Machine (SSM) are a three piece outfit that combine bass, drum, synth and vocal to create something altogether good. SSM stated their intent from the starting gun with their first single, Noisemaker, released in 2011. A reinvention of 1990s Prodigy for the 21st century, Noisemaker’s booming bass, rasping vocals and thundering drums are just as powerful on their debut album Spark as in their live show, where band members Andy, Chris and Ben emit unbridled energy. Thankfully, this album is every bit as engaging as a live SSM performance. Spark morphs between thrusting dance floor power and other-worldly reflection, sometimes all in a single track.

Album opener, Holes, pulsates with angst. A growling war cry sounds and then, just as the initial roar of a plane’s engines stirs fear, excitement and anticipation, we have liftoff. Andy’s vocals preside over a throb of cacophony when the chorus hits, harder and stronger each and every time. Sinking Stone raises the tempo before we are confronted by the snarling Noisemaker. SSM set their stall out with these three tracks; we hear the trademark synth stabs and distorted bass, are treated to soaring vocals and euphoric breakdowns. In Running, the band’s newest single, a wandering bassline and driving chords raise the energy before we lurch into the dark, brooding chorus. The double-speed flourishes will please those who enjoy a full on jitterbug!

Talk You Down is like the last tune of the night. The punchiness of bass and drum remain, but vocals lean back and let rave synths take over. The breakdown is that first light moment; you scan the dance floor to see happy, shattered faces ready for one last high. And then it drops, a glowing ball of energy with a rawness that belies the pop sensibility that runs throughout Spark. The next track, Breaking Bones, signal’s a time for reflection. The lyrics describe the loss of a Summer romance. As the days begin to draw in, the wistful line ‘too many leaves cover me’ speaks of the regret when good things go awry.

Spark then comes down a notch or two. The breathy Ethereal has an Editors-esque hook and funk-twizzled synths. In Face Your Fear, a lonesome violin is joined by a mournful orchestra until the rupture; drums explode and will strings on, sadness is replaced by resolve. No vocals are necessary here – you can add your own caption to proceedings. Dr Hoax, one of the band’s earliest tracks, provides the best evidence of their indie infused sound. The distorted bass flexes and warbles, a lolloping drum disorientates, and searching vocals drip with disdain.

Santiago Street Machine are strikingly evocative. The band’s myriad influences are meshed together to create something that’s refreshing and authentic. Spark is like an intravenous drip into their world – and what a world that is.
Spark is available now on iTunes and Amazon