Running at 44 minutes and seven seconds, “MG Ultra” knows no bounds. After four years of waiting, the time has finally come to indulge in Machine Girl’s fifth album release.
The record starts off with “Until I Die,” the leading single that was released on Aug. 7. It feels quite familiar, yet brand new at the same time with its fun and energetic aura. It then bleeds into the next track, “Sick!!!,” which sounds like it belongs in a racing video game. Its pulsing beats and catchy melodies are followed by an eventual breakdown, leaving the listener ready for more. “Just Because You Can,” was a previously unreleased song performed during a live set for A2B2’s Night of Fire in 2020. In this rendition, frontman Matt Stephenson dances and screams into a microphone as animated visuals of a girl performing a ritual flash on and off of the screen.
Upon further listening, it is clear this album has much more prominent live drumming rather than relying on samples like in earlier records. This would be the skillful contribution of Sean Kelly, the other half of Machine Girl, who also makes music under the name Mankid.
“Innerface,” creates an ambient break from the loudness of the first half of the record, then leads into “Motherfather,” the second single that was released on Sept. 5. This track has actual singing and guitar, a vastly different approach from the majority of Machine Girl’s catalog. It received mixed reviews upon its release, with most complaining that the track was causing less excitement for the album as a whole. Do not let this be discouraging, as the newness of the guitar eventually breaks down and meshes with the screaming vocals Machine Girl fans know and love.
“Grindhouse,” is oh-so deliciously made; as every second passes, the intensity of the song grows and makes one want to get up and dance feverishly. Every synth stab and tantalizing beat jolts the listener around, leaving no room for idle listening. With rather raunchy lyrics, this track steers into a much different direction and leaves little to the imagination.
Wrapping it up with “Psychic Attack,” this is yet another previously unreleased track. It was performed during their tour with 100 gecs in 2023. With lyrics like “I’ll destroy you all on my own / Feel my power at my full potential,” it is hard not to feel a bit villainous during this listening experience.
While not exactly what most were expecting, “MG Ultra” proved to be a delightful listen. If their earlier works have previously put listeners off, this may be the album to indulge in. Pioneers in their own right, Machine Girl have done it yet again.
