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REVIEW album Arliston Disappointment Machine

Arliston Release Debut Album Disappointment Machine

Disappointment Machine

Arliston

London-based duo Arliston have released their highly anticipated debut album, Disappointment Machine, a deeply introspective collection that navigates heartbreak, missed chances, and the weight of unfulfilled expectations.

Known for their melancholic yet immersive sound, Arliston (Jack Ratcliffe and George Hasbury) blend minimalist pianos, ambient synths, and Ratcliffe’s haunting baritone to craft an album both sorrowful and cathartic.

Written in just two weeks, Disappointment Machine captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of love lost. Tracks like Scratches and Time Lost embrace fragility, while Sleep Well Bean offers a wry take on self-perception.

With echoes of Bon Iver and Steven Wilson, the album’s spacious production and evocative lyricism establish Arliston as masters of emotional storytelling. From the aching loneliness of "The Raft" to the quiet resilience of "Stay in Brixton", Disappointment Machine is a record that demands full attention; an emotional journey through despair, self-reflection and eventual acceptance.

While it may be a heavy listen, its beauty lies in its honesty, making it a powerful debut from a band unafraid to embrace the depths of human emotion.

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