Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine

1xLP Black Vinyl My Soft Machine embraces more sophisticated, contemporary pop production and a wider variety of sounds. "Impurities" sports a faded, atmospheric hip-hop beat, backing Parks' low-key but empowering "I radiate like a star, like a star, star, star" refrain. Though she doesn't make aggressive music (yet), Parks seems delighted to let off some steam with the wailing alt-rock guitars and vocal distortion of "Devotion." On the neon-tinged disco bop "Blades," she yearns for the sound of her partner's voice, presumably while she's on tour somewhere far away. On "Weightless," easily her most ambitious song to date, she sounds on the verge of tears as she begs for validation from someone who barely acknowledges her. At least as dramatic is the breakup lament "Room (Red Wings)," which lives up to its chorus ("without you, I'm devastated"). Though the feelings of longing, heartache, and hopelessness seem inescapable, there are still moments of joy and satisfaction, such as the Phoe