The Wytches - Talking Machine

Recorded live to tape with a raw, analogue aesthetic, The Wytches' fifth album, ‘Talking Machine’, leans heavily into lo-fi garage rock, channelling 60s psych and 80s revival bands. The result is rough around the edges and full of charm.

When opener ‘Talking Machine’ kicks into gear near the end, it immediately illustrates The Wytches' knack for throwing themselves fully into a moment. ‘Black Ice’ continues that mood, dark and simple but with conviction. The commitment to their recording approach gives the album a strong identity; it feels handmade, like a physical thing. Highlights come early - ‘Factory’ is tightly wound yet sprawling, showing the band at their most satisfying - before the second half loses some of the initial intensity, slipping into something more meandering.

There’s a definite sense that this record exists for the band more than anyone else. That’s not a criticism; in fact, it’s part of what makes it appealing. This is a group who clearly love what they’re doing: the warmth of the live recording, the simplicity of the songwriting, the imperfections left in the final mix – all of it points to a band following their instincts.

‘Talking Machine’ is niche, self-contained and occasionally brilliant: a confident statement from a band who know exactly what they want to sound like.