Highly Recommended
Tony Doran | DOVETON, VICTORIA Australia | 09/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Carptree in 2003. Their brilliant second album entitled Superhero from that year was my album of the year back then, and for good reason.
Man Made Machine is a strong forward leap from Superhero opening up new ground while retaining the catchy, quirkiness and brilliant melodious flavor of SH. The writing is sublime and the playing is extaordinary. And what do you know, the 'No Future Orchestra' from SH had a future afterall, giving solid foundations to the wonderful writing and playing of Carl Westholm and exquisit vocals of Niclas Flink.
The catchy hooks and quirky phrases combined with the Gabrielesque vocals of Niclas Flink remind me of another outstanding 'left of centre' album from 1975. Split Enz: Mental Notes.
All in all, Man Made Machine is brilliant, not instantly accessible but those who persevere will be highly rewarded.
"
Excellent neo-prog album
fiction loving grad student | Philly, PA | 01/19/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is not as good as their next one, Insekt, but it is still worth owning for neo-prog and retro-prog fans. The music seems like a cross between Marillion, Pink Floyd, and Kate Bush--yes, Kate Bush. The singer's voice sounds a lot like Fish, but at times he does the kind of vocal gymnastics that Kate Bush does (even though the singer is male). The song structure and musicianship are similar to more mellow, Hogarth-era Marillion, with some Roger Waters-like songwriting elements. Top songs are Titans Clash Aggressively, Sunshine Waters, Man Made Machine, Burn to Something New, This Is Home. It took a few listens before I likes any tracks other than Titans and Sunshine Waters, but once it hooked me I couldn't stop listening to the entire album--except Track 9 (Recipe). A very good, solid album. Also recommended: Sieges Even."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1