Check out our new Album Pourquoi? C'est L'Amour!
Critics are unanimous - they Love Pourquoi? C'est L'Amour!
Derek Writing for the Indie music website "Analyze My Lyrics"
In Pourquoi? C’est L’Amour!, La Need Machine embraces profound wording while keeping poetic language allowing them to maintain a strong narrative structure throughout the songs in the album. An emotionally charged inner journey on identity, connection and emotional resilience resonates through the album. One strong unifying contemporary and refreshing theme that comes through is individuality as well as community, co-dependence, interdependence, and vulnerability. The emotive charge tied to the songs indicate the band’s humor, heart, and philosophy, highlighting hope all within a singular optimistic tack.
The enormous amorphous nature of love – not simply romantic but rather a creative force encapsulating friendships, personal deep introspection, loss, and rebellion – sets the mood straight with the pretty neat title of the album, “Why? It’s Love!” gives the rough translation of the main theme. Songs throughout the album suggests the notion of love as the unwavering backbone for emotional resilience. The beautiful phrase “through nostalgic memories, longing for escape, intimate confessions” merged greatly with the sentiment attuned in the phrasing above showcases how La Need Machine continuously emphasizes love anchors human beings through the intensity and whirlwind complexity of life.
One of the most striking aspects of the album is the conflict between being misunderstood and the desire to be acknowledged. It appears in different shapes and sizes, from the childlike wish to break free to the adult acceptance of their follies and the soft-spoken resolve not shying away from loving unreservedly. Opera trained Elise, the lead singer, claw marks every moment of affection in the lyrics to show that difference—be it neurodivergent, overly emotional, or simply out of the box—is not a liability, but rather an asset. Joyful defiance fused with raw vulnerability is a form of self-expression throughout the composition, as though proclaiming: “So what? I’ve been through it all, but guess what? I’m still here and belting it out.”
Nostalgia also plays a prominent role in the entire emotional setting of the album. The past shouldn’t be looked back upon as a window of grief, but rather a fountain of experiences and discovery to explore. Reflection on younger days brings forth old friends, pieces of broken contemplation, and tender glimpses of childhood with utmost warmth. Instead of glorifying distant memories à la La Need Machine, there is a straightforward attitude towards them, fully accepting the bittersweet nature of growing up. It brings forth that the wielding of memories is crucial for realization, and self exploration requires stepping back in order to rush forth.
Yet another common thread is the complex intermingling of personal, social, and collective transformation. Change is often messy, and the harmonies suggest contradiction, something discomforting and out of place. There’s a sort of oscillation, or back and forth, between extremes. Insincere balance meets sarcasm, or light and effort sense juxtapose deeper feelings. That duality is an indicator of mastery and maturity grappling with the complexity of existence. La Need Machine does not orbit around the emotionally genuine and raw, they instead invite the user to grapple with that complexity and mistakes, yet still within joy.
While the album may lean toward more reflective and introspective themes, it stays upbeat in its overall vibe. It’s their explanation and affirmation of connection that does this. Songs do not focus on grief, uncertainty, or straying. They center on choice — to love, to forgive, and to show up. Many tracks have this collective “we” feeling that circles with the notion that no one feels alone, and that togetherness can be healing.
Elise’s unique way of singing is of particular importance to this writing. The fact that Elise is willing to draw on her experience as neurodivergent adds a unique strength to her writing. The lyrics, whether implicitly or explicitly, defy and subvert the norms with quiet, strong self-assurance. From feeling strong emotions to expressing everyday defiance, Elise uses language with an astonishing understanding of both her inner self and the external society.
Ultimately, Pourquoi? C’est L’Amour! captures the essence of the outsider mindset and spirit in an album celebrating life, in all its perplexities and contradictions, worth singing about. The lyrics do not provide predictable answers or cliches of forced hope; instead, they thoughtfully invite us to embrace. They remind us to cherish our narratives, clasp one another closely, and continue to dance, even when instructed to behave.
Natalie Patrick from Earmilk magazine
La Need Machine returns with their most colorful and emotionally evocative work yet, “Pourquoi? C’est L’Amour!”, a 10-song collection of infectiously catchy tunes and daring messages of empowerment. Now on all streaming platforms, the album establishes the band’s distinct voice in indie-land today.
From the first track on, La Need Machine doesn't waste much time establishing the gale-force ingredients of its signature sound: arcing harmonies, poetry crossed with frivolity in the lyrics, and rhythms that exalt and shift. The album’s title, “Why? It’s Love!” is the thread that stitches through, the omnipresent subject to dip into love in all its messy, sardonic, and sublime guises.
Driven by neurodivergent lead vocalist Elise’s engaging, charged presence, the album is a manifesto. Elise, who freely divulges about her flourishing life on the Autistic Spectrum, gives each song raw honesty, depth, and truth. Her approach is confident yet vulnerable, and her perspective is one you don’t hear often in mainstream music.
Standout tracks, such as “Our Song,” are emotional centerpieces, an anthemic love note to partnership and inclusivity brimming with warmth and sincerity. Meanwhile, ‘Sardonic Love’ sees the band’s humorous and cutting-edge combination of lyric and groove biting as it is fun. Coming in at a lean 36 minutes, the album is a smooth listen from front to back, feeling both cohesive and varied. Each song speaks for itself but adds to a larger story of love, endurance, and the beauty of being unapologetically you.
Dave Franklin from The Big Takeover Magazine
When the band states that Pourquoi? C’est L’Amour! is an album whose songs fit together like a set of baseball cards; I get what they mean. At one extreme, albums can be eclectic affairs, musically diverse, and lyrically unconnected. At the other you have the much-maligned concept album, usually overly earnest and unnecessarily highbrow, and far too often about taking a ring to Mordor! But here, LA Need Machine gives us a set of songs that stand on their own two individual feet yet feel as if they are part of something bigger.
Not unlike chapters in a book, each has its own story to tell whilst helping drive a larger narrative, one that is broadly about life and love, hope and optimism, honesty and understanding, the everyday stuff of life turned into poetry.
Theirs has always been a great sound, one sitting in an indie-rock groove, somewhere between the singer-songwriter vibe and the full band sound, vocally rich and running all over the music landscape in search of that special sonic icing on the cake.
“I Wish I Could Fly” is escapist, running on pop-aware grooves, underpinned by acoustic delicacy and nice string touches, a song that already feels like you have been listening to it for most of your life, the very definition of a classic…just give it time.
“The Mountain” has a brilliant dynamic forged of understated passages and growling hard rock guitars, “Vincent Van Gogh” is a reminder to make the most of the fleeting moments we have in this life, and “The Hometown Heroes” is a lovely blend of crunchy guitars and a saxophone that runs between the mellifluous and the sky-searing.
In some respects, LA Need Machine reminds me of a current favorite band of mine, a band similarly able to take the thoughts, experiences, observations, and events of everyday life and turn them into something sonically magical.
https://bigtakeover.com/recordings/pourquoi-cest-lamour-la-need-machine-lead-backed-vinyl-music
Check out our single The Mountain
People Love The mountain! a lot!
The Medium
I adored this single from the first listen, loving how the melody and structure proved that a simple, not cluttered musical agenda can be incredibly powerful when songwriting and delivery come to the fore.
With an irresistible chorus, sincere message and finely judged instrumentation, ‘The Mountain’ confirms La Need Machine as one of the top new acts in Seattle. Make sure to stream ‘The Mountain’ on all major platforms today to experience this inspiring indie folk-rock anthem for yourself.
La Needs Machine is filling fans with new tunes, with the new single ‘The Mountain’. Back as an indie folk-rock collective, they never stop pushing the sonic frontiers or refreshing and moving anthems with a shot of different Americana styles.
‘The Mountain’ for the first few seconds, begins with a hopeful strings section. Then, an understated moving melody gently introduces the listener as the full band joins in over the first verse. Guitar strings steadily back up the notes, while getting some texture from the drums, just loud enough to push the song forward. The vocals were introduced right alongside the guitars. The soulful voice is the perfect medium for a heartfelt message. Instrumental sections are made for every element to breathe; they have their moment, too. A nice electric guitar solo with good flair during and after the second verse, but it doesn’t take over the core of the song. Subtle piano flutters color the chorus on by instead of falling into overly ornate indulgence.
https://medium.com/@saiidzeidan/the-mountain-by-la-need-machine-7fc263f085fe
KIMU
In La Need Machine’s latest offering, The Mountain, the band ascends to new heights of musical and lyrical complexity, blending their signature elements of Americana, Indie Rock, Folk Rock, and Alternative Country.
We previously featured La Need Machine for their captivating tracks I Wish I Could Fly and These Old Jeans, which already hinted at the band’s profound ability to intertwine simple melodies with deep, introspective messages.
The Mountain, however, stands out as a bold statement, a sonic journey that not only pleases the ear but also challenges the mind. The driving beat and ethereal harmonies are not just the backdrop but the very pulse of the song’s philosophical exploration of giving and receiving, a timeless message that resonates deeply in our increasingly divided world.
The first verse of The Mountain introduces us to a duality that is as old as humanity itself: the pursuit of art and love. These are the activities that give life meaning, and when shared with others, they can withstand any storm. The band suggests that it is not merely the creation of art or the experience of love that matters but the act of doing so together. This togetherness is portrayed as a force that can transcend adversity, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. Here, La Need Machine subtly implies that the true value of life lies not in material wealth or status but in the shared experiences that connect us to others.
In the chorus, the song’s central message emerges with clarity and power: “It’s not what you take… it’s what you got to give.” This line distills a philosophy that has been espoused by sages and spiritual leaders throughout history – true fulfilment comes from giving rather than receiving.
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Check out our Halloween video "Scary Voices"
Check out our single Alice
Check out our single These Old Jeans
People Love These Old Jeans, too! Really!
ExtravaFrance
In “These Old Jeans”, La Need Machine embroiders the story of a personal quest for wisdom. But far from being a linear path paved with certainties, this quest is a spiral of realization of the magnitude of what remains to be learned. Wisdom, here, is not so much the accumulation of knowledge as the awareness of one's own limits, openness to others and questioning one's prejudices.
Through indie harmonies imbued with nostalgia and lyrics of touching sincerity, the group expresses the inner metamorphosis that results from this acquired humility. “These Old Jeans” then becomes the symbol of this transformation, where the garment, simple and worn, represents the abandonment of pretensions to embrace modesty and authenticity.
The magic of “These Old Jeans” lies in its ability to transmute wisdom into music, inviting the listener into bittersweet introspection. The Need Machine, with this second single distributed by Worldsound/Virgin Music Group/Universal, affirms that true understanding with others is only possible when we accept the diversity of opinions and recognize our own vulnerability.
So “These Old Jeans” isn’t just a melody; it is a call to reflection, a hymn to humility and an ode to unity. In an often divided world, The Need Machine reminds us that peace, love and mutual understanding are within reach, provided we know how to listen, learn and open up to others with the wisdom of a humble heart.
reviews and News about la need machine
Rolling Stone
Vents Magazine
Vents Magazine
Originating in Seattle, there’s a spirited rock and roll sound heard on their new album Killer Instinct, which released in November and now has a music video for the song “Herculean Tasks,” which revolves around a somewhat suburbanized version of Alice In Wonderland. There’s Alice, of course but also The Mad Hatter and the Red Queen all playing their roles in quirky fashion, with a bit of VFX to make things surreal as well as humorous. https://rollingstoneindia.com/seattle-band-la-need-machine-herculean-tasks-video/
Vents Magazine
Vents Magazine
Vents Magazine
La Need Machine is one of Washington’s most underrated rock n’ roll gems, and if you’re someone who likes to take pride in their knowledge of must-listen music in any genre, Killer Instinct is an LP you need to familiarize yourself with immediately.
https://ventsmagazine.com/2022/11/15/la-need-machines-killer-instinct-lp/
Tattoo.com
Vents Magazine
Indie Pulse
With Killer Instinct, La Need Machine serves up impressive rock and roll, full of oomph, contagious rhythms, and deluxe vocals.
Killer Instinct opens with “Herculean Tasks,” rolling out on pop-punk-lite guitars riding a tight rhythm as evocative vocals imbue the lyrics with intense, quixotic savors.
https://www.tattoo.com/blog/la-need-machine-releases-new-lp-killer-instinct/
Indie Pulse
Amplify Music Magazine
Indie Pulse
Tracks like “Negative,” “Hot Dog,” and “Herculean Tasks” don’t ask for us to sit down and pay attention to the aesthetical details they contain just to bask in the swell of ridiculous sonic virtuosity; they smash us in the face with adrenaline and affection for the standards hard rock’s elite used to hold on a universal level. They make me believe in this genre’s viability post-COVID, and I think I’m not the only one who will say so thanks to Killer Instinct.
https://indiepulsemusic.com/2022/11/15/la-need-machine-killer-instinct-lp/
Amplify Music Magazine
Amplify Music Magazine
Amplify Music Magazine
Seattle’s La Need Machine are about to release their new album, Killer Instinct, this Friday, November 11th. In celebration of the release comes the title track “Killer Instinct” - a non-stop rocker that never lets its foot off the gas. It feels like it should be the theme song to an ’80s movie about a kid that comes back from rock bottom to win the tournament and their love interest.
https://amplifymusicmag.com/premiere-la-need-machine-share-killer-instinct-ahead-of-their-album
The Big Takeover
Amplify Music Magazine
Amplify Music Magazine
Just in time for Halloween, we’ve got Seattle band, La Need Machine, with the new single “Scary Voices,” and its accompanying music video. It’s got a cool Concrete Blonde-like vibe to it, as we follow the fictional main character in an unwritten horror movie.
http://bigtakeover.com/profiles/LaNeedMachineASpookyTreatforHalloween
Interviews with the Band
Interviews with the Band
Interviews with the Band
Music Mecca
Interviews with the Band
Interviews with the Band
While their punchy drumlines and ripping electric guitar leads keep them grounded to the rock n’ roll genre, La Need Machine's lyrics and inspiration come from an ethical place that seek to help their community through monetary donation accumulated from their streaming revenue.
The Indie Source
Interviews with the Band
The Indie Source
It’s hard just making a name for yourself in music today, let alone getting to the level a lot of the legends you look up to rest upon, but that isn’t stopping La Need Machine from putting out an effort worthy of such consideration in Killer Instinct. This is starting to feel like a good season for the rock n’ roll revolution this generation has been waiting to experience for themselves, and if La Need Machine can positively position themselves with the underground scene they’ve come to own so handily out of the northwest corner of the American circuit, I think they’re going to start getting a lot of the press attention they and many others like them have been vying for since getting their start.
https://www.theindiesource.com/c/bf14f7eb-0bb0-45ef-b439-9777b56c42e1/
Listen to our hit single "I Wish I Could Fly"
The reviews are in for I Wish I Could Fly
The Big Takeover
The Big Takeover
The Big Takeover
All the best bands are hard to categorize; after all, if it were a simple process to put a band in this box or that genre, then it must be because you have heard it all before. It stands to reason. Which is why I love La Need Machine. It’s not just that their music shifts around from one track to the next; just listen to their last album
All the best bands are hard to categorize; after all, if it were a simple process to put a band in this box or that genre, then it must be because you have heard it all before. It stands to reason. Which is why I love La Need Machine. It’s not just that their music shifts around from one track to the next; just listen to their last album, Killer Instinct for an example of their eclectic nature, but even within one song, such as here on “I Wish I Could Fly,” they seem to blend all manner of, often contradictory, sounds and styles and do so seamlessly.
MP3 Hugger
The Big Takeover
The Big Takeover
I felt the twee pop qualities, the back and forth boy/girl vocals are sweet and it is indicative of a track that is innocent and joyful but also realistic.... The narrative has been set for messaging us about climate change and its affect on nature but the sentiments could be applied to all aspects of life. The chorus brings matters to a
I felt the twee pop qualities, the back and forth boy/girl vocals are sweet and it is indicative of a track that is innocent and joyful but also realistic.... The narrative has been set for messaging us about climate change and its affect on nature but the sentiments could be applied to all aspects of life. The chorus brings matters to a head but by then most will be singing along and in that stride things will seem less insurmountable. ‘I Wish I Could Fly’ is the best kind of talking to that you’ll hear all week.
Plastic Magazine
The Big Takeover
Plastic Magazine
Now, after linking with sebastian on the single “Maria” earlier this year, La Need Machine return with their latest release and bring us their new single titled “I Wish I Could Fly.” Serving up a stunning slice of their bright indie sound with an Americana twist, “I Wish I Could Fly” sees the band lay down charming songwriting, buoyant s
Now, after linking with sebastian on the single “Maria” earlier this year, La Need Machine return with their latest release and bring us their new single titled “I Wish I Could Fly.” Serving up a stunning slice of their bright indie sound with an Americana twist, “I Wish I Could Fly” sees the band lay down charming songwriting, buoyant split vocals and superb musicianship.... Peppered with Al’s slick lead guitar flourishes throughout, “I Wish I Could Fly” offers up the very best of La Need Machine’s highly original and entirely enjoyable sound.
Apollo's Harp
Edgar Allan Poets
Plastic Magazine
La Need Machine is a melting pot of ideas and influences as their blends range from indie rock and americana to pop-punk and rock n roll. But it is not just in the style, but even in the way they present concepts. Their soundscapes are adorned with layers and accents that are incredibly enriching. In their latest track, ‘I Wish I Could F
La Need Machine is a melting pot of ideas and influences as their blends range from indie rock and americana to pop-punk and rock n roll. But it is not just in the style, but even in the way they present concepts. Their soundscapes are adorned with layers and accents that are incredibly enriching. In their latest track, ‘I Wish I Could Fly’, the band fathoms a heartfelt folk rock track that combines Joni Mitchell’s introspective acoustics with The Smiths’ classic melodic rock style. Listen Now!
Edgar Allan Poets
Edgar Allan Poets
Edgar Allan Poets
La Need Machine’s single, “I Wish I Could Fly,” presents a cool sound that diverges from the stereotypical Seattle grunge associated with the ’90s. Instead, the band takes a unique approach, offering a nostalgic melody that, in my opinion, still carries the halo of Seattle at its core.
Drawing a comparison to bands from the ’90s, La Need
La Need Machine’s single, “I Wish I Could Fly,” presents a cool sound that diverges from the stereotypical Seattle grunge associated with the ’90s. Instead, the band takes a unique approach, offering a nostalgic melody that, in my opinion, still carries the halo of Seattle at its core.
Drawing a comparison to bands from the ’90s, La Need Machine’s vibes reminded me of Soul Asylum, showcasing a similar depth and intensity. It suggests that La Need Machine consists of seasoned musicians with a wealth of experience, and their ability to evoke nostalgic sentiments while presenting a fresh sound is fantastic.
“I Wish I Could Fly” is an intense song that speaks to the soul of the listener.La Need Machine proves that they are not confined by expectations, offering a musical experience that resonates on a profound level.
Indie Rock
Edgar Allan Poets
Edgar Allan Poets
From the heart of the US-based culture, Seattle – emerges an independent artist that effortlessly blends Alt-country and Indie Pop: LA NEED MACHINE. With their latest offering, “I Wish I Could Fly,” they cast a magic spell that further cements their position among the greatest like Bob Dylan and Leon Bridges. Reflecting the US’s cultural
From the heart of the US-based culture, Seattle – emerges an independent artist that effortlessly blends Alt-country and Indie Pop: LA NEED MACHINE. With their latest offering, “I Wish I Could Fly,” they cast a magic spell that further cements their position among the greatest like Bob Dylan and Leon Bridges. Reflecting the US’s cultural tapestry, their music embodies Americana elements that speak volumes. Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of Indie Melodic Pop Rock and Soft Rock that LA NEED MACHINE showcases. Lucid male vocals paired with the relaxing strains of the soundtrack truly make for easy listening. As hauntingly beautiful as Simon and Garfunkel, LA NEED MACHINE’s music brings a feeling akin to a “deftly woven tapestry of musical emotions.”
Video
Check out the video for our hit single Maria!
Listen to the hit Single Maria
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Check out our Joan Jett tribute song and video!
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We bet you are wondering who we are?
La Need Machine Get the Job Done
La Need Machine grew up in Seattle and derived their sound from classic rock and roll, folk, and Indie bands from Seattle and around the world.
Musical influences include Seattle bands like the Sonics, Nirvana and Brandi Carlile, classic 1950's rock and roll artists like Eddie Cochran, classic 1960's bands like Bob Dylan, and the Animals, classic rock bands like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and the Who, classic punk like the Buzzcocks and Generation X, and post punk and Indie bands like Green Day.
Live -- in the Garage or Anywhere!
La Need Machine will play anywhere, any time -- as long as it is 100 percent convenient for us.
What's Next?
La Need Machine live in the present, although we do daydream about the future quite a bit. And it includes another new album in the not-too-distant future!
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