Shadow Puppets by the Machine in the Garden

Shadow Puppets is easily the band’s defining moment—a seamless amalgam of electronics, ethereal melodies and sensuous rhythms. The album is often very dynamic and anthemic, yet equally convincing when quiet and introspective. As always, Summer Bowman’s startlingly beautiful vocal performances flutter effortlessly with power and humble emotional softness, perfectly balancing the strength of the guitars, complex beats and synths. Together with Roger Fracé, the duo has composed a passionate album that transcends the darkwave genre.

Alternative dance-friendly tracks include “The Inside World,” “Spider’s Bride” (a duet with Roger) and “Goodbye” while beautiful ballads such as “Winter Fell” and “More Unto Fire Dreamt” showcase Summer’s emotive vocals. But the band also experiments—stretching their talents with unique electronic rhythm arrangements with tracks “Mantra,” “Mother” and “If Ever.” The track “Suspend,” which foreshadowed the album on the Electica Volume 2 compilation, has been expanded with aggressive guitars.

The Machine in the Garden is an independent gothic/darkwave duo featuring Roger Fracé and Summer Bowman. Since their formation, Roger and Summer have developed and advanced their unique style through years of collaborating and intertwining their musical tastes.

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