Review by Adam M on March 14, 2017.

Hark brings the groove on Machinations.  The songs here just ooze a mid-paced groove that is impossible to deny.  The tracks have that stoner feel that makes for a nice album to headbang along with.  Hark are similar to Kyuss and the like, but make their presence known through a sound that has its own niche. 

The gyrations are simply irresistible and pull the listener into their grasp.  This has the same psychedelic effect that Kyuss has and is a worthy thing to behold.  The tracks here are catchy and hold your attention throughout.  The songs rollick along at a pace that is worthy of the stoner genre.  Though it has elements of the stoner genre, there is a certain traditional vibe here that separates the band from something like Orange Goblin.  Though the band has that mid-paced groove, there is another side to the band that gives them more depth and manages to elevate them above the stoner genre, but to a more varied level.  The overall effect is a nice one and has the band given its distinct identity.  The problem with the album is that the band doesn’t completely achieve the well-rounded nature they set out to attain.  Some of the parts lack that element of power to grab the listener and make them fully entranced in the songs.  They are catchy, but not overly memorable as well.  The entirety of the issue can be summed up in a less than stellar overall vibe. 

Still, Hark have created an album that gyrates with the best of them.  The songs have that ability to grind along at a nice pace that is very appropriate for the songs.  Fans of bands like Kyuss will have lots to like with this disc as it does a good job bringing a similar sound within a fairly short runtime.  

Rating: 7.5 out of 10