Dope Machines
The Airborne Toxic Event · 2015
43 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant blend of synth-driven melodies and lyrical introspection that captures the spirit of modern indie rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dope Machines — The title track encapsulates the album's theme, exploring the relationship between technology and human emotion through a catchy, upbeat sound.
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Hell and Back — This track features poignant lyrics about resilience and self-acceptance, showcasing the band's ability to blend introspective storytelling with an infectious melody.
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California — With its nostalgic tone and vivid imagery, this song serves as a love letter to the state, reflecting both longing and celebration of personal memories.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic and rock elements but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its contemporaries.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent use of synths layered over traditional rock instrumentation, establishing an electronic sound early on.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, creating a contrast with the melodic choruses and adding depth to the lyrical themes.
- The album closes with 'Chains', which features a gradual build-up in intensity, culminating in a climactic finish that contrasts with earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- pulsating rhythms for energetic moments
- short tracks for quick engagement
- emotional depth in every listen
Maybe skip if you
- requires patience for full impact
- not suited for casual background
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2015, Dope Machines is The Airborne Toxic Event's fourth studio album, following their 2013 release, Such Hot Blood. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with a more electronic sound, marking a departure from their earlier, more orchestral arrangements. This shift reflects their desire to evolve artistically while maintaining their signature storytelling style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The National· Death Cab for Cutie· Band of Horses
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wrong 4:15
- 2 One Time Thing 4:03
- 3 Dope Machines 3:18
- 4 California 3:52
- 5 Time to be a Man 4:10
- 6 Hell and Back 3:54
- 7 My Childish Bride 4:26
- 8 The Thing About Dreams 5:34
- 9 Something You Lost 5:06
- 10 Chains 4:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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