Whether you’re listening to Mogwai, Kathryn Joseph or Arab Strap, Scotland’s music scene has consistently excelled at vivid depictions of doom and gloom. Perhaps that’s why Man Of Moon’s second studio album, MACHINISM, feels so exhilarating despite evoking a near-apocalyptic vision of society’s relationship with technology. 

Comprised of singer/guitarist Chris Bainbridge and drummer Iain Stewart, the Glasgow band have found a way to encapsulate the dread of doomscrolling, the frustration of online misinformation campaigns, and the corporatisation of tech damaging every aspect of our lives. ‘Over the past few years, I’ve been so socially aware,’ Bainbridge says, ‘and the lyrics just naturally came out that way. It wasn’t like I sat down and thought “I’m going to write an album that’s anti-establishment”, but it happened organically because I’m involved in activism myself.’

Over hints of psychedelia, prog and Ghosts-era Nine Inch Nails, the songs offer a whistlestop tour of modern life’s anxieties, where mobile phones lie at the centre of our consciousness and artificial intelligence progresses with a rapidity that surpasses even Moore’s Law. ‘VIDEO’ is a highlight, marrying a sludgy guitar riff with the story of a man hooked on video streaming. ‘I was reading a book by Johann Hari last year [Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention] while we were recording the album and it helped me realise how addicted I was to my phone. I’m very pessimistic about technology. I’m not going to be projecting that too much online to run alongside the album because there’s already enough darkness in the world, but it’s obviously a relevant topic on everyone’s mind.’

Bainbridge recognises that tension between a desire to escape social media’s grip and the necessity of promoting albums and tours. ‘I’d love to just get rid of social media because I’m quite old school and I want to promote my band in an old-school way. Some acts are so good at it but we just don’t have that kind of edge.’ It’s a squeeze that many bands are feeling, one propounded by the rise of AI. ‘I think I’m a realist about AI and it’s very possible that robots will reach a scarily advanced stage. One thing I’d like to get into in the future is scoring for short films, but if a filmmaker is working on a tight budget, they’re going to use free software online that lets them punch in whatever music they want, as opposed to getting real artists who’ll give them an authentic sound.’

Bainbridge began the songwriting process for MACHINISM during lockdown in 2020, and the scars from that time are etched indelibly across it. ‘There are quite a few tracks on the album which discuss escapism, and that stemmed from feeling very shut off from other people. I struggled with personal confidence going back into social situations after lockdown, wondering if my chat was relevant or interesting.’ Fast-paced psych-rock single ‘YOU AND I’ was directly inspired by Bainbridge co-habiting with his partner during that era, summing up the tension faced by people trapped indoors. 

The knot in the stomach created by Bainbridge’s lyrics is held in sharp relief by the sound of a band mixing influences that span their Scottish peers along with the sprawling ambition of Can, ambient metal act Russian Circles, experimental rockers Swans, and downbeat trip hop à la Massive Attack. All of which combines to create a swirling exultation that feels more like a salve to society’s open wounds than an excuse to wallow in them. ‘That’s the Man Of Moon sound: dark euphoria. There are sections that are really depressing, but then there are bits with real lift.’

MACHINISM is released by Cosmic Pool on Friday 24 May; Man Of Moon tour Friday 18–Monday 28 October.