From first listen, the initial reaction to Modern Time Machines is, oh, this sounds like Silversun Pickups. And although this is a fair assessment—both bands feature hazy, baritone vocals atop whimsical shoegazing rock—this Los Angeles-based quartet is far from a copycat band. For starters, the band produces epic walls of sound by layering guitars, percussion, melodies, and violin that wash its listeners ears with loud, extravagant arrangements that groups are lucky to achieve at any point in their careers. Which brings me to my next point: MTM is gearing up to release its debut full-length, Continuity Girl, which is slated for May 22nd. When listening to this album from start to finish, it is hard to believe it’s a freshman effort. But hard work pays off, and the shoegazers have already landed airplay on KROQ, a taped live set on Adult Swim, and a FREE April Saturday residency at Casey’s Irish Pub in downtown Los Angeles. – Katrina Nattress
