When challenged to make an entirely acoustic album about robots and AI and our future relationship with technology, Brooklyn folktronica wizz kid E. W. Harris’s initial reaction was “hell no.” But thinking about the idea in the cold, sober light of day, the idea started to appeal to him. The raw, organic textures of folk music could provide the perfect sense of anxiety-infused and depression-tinged edge to talk about the subject in a way that he thought would make an interesting juxtaposition. Hence, the 6-track EP, Machine Living In Relief.
In the past, musicians have used digital dexterity and embraced its futuristic sheen to talk about a future full of flying cars and jetpacks, synthetic lifeforms, and other possible wonders. Now that some of that future seems to be arriving faster than we can understand it, Harris instead uses the organic sounds and analog traditions of folk music to talk about an even more distant future, one that has ultimately failed us. The old sonic switcheroo!
Over the strains of gentle acoustic guitars and his mellifluous and melancholic voice, and just a scattering of delicate sonic additions, he spins yarns and introduces us to characters who live in Rocket City. In this place, technology has ushered in a world of lonely, not-quite humans and robotic replacements, where connections have been lost. Everyone there is looking for the thing that will make them whole – the perfect upgrade, but can chips replace humanity? Can technology be a substitute for love?
These and other philosophical questions are raised, none of which are answered, but like all good art, it instigates crucial conversations. Perhaps the most critical discussions you might ever have. Where do we go from here?
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