The Wytches channel sixties grit on Talking Machine
The Wytches embrace the past to move forward on Talking Machine, their fifth studio album, out now via Alcopop! Records. Returning to the raw, live energy that defined their early work, the Brighton four-piece craft an album that’s both nostalgic and revitalized.
Produced by: The Wytches
From the opening notes of the rollicking title track, Talking Machine feels like a time capsule from an earlier, more innocent era of rock ’n’ roll—one where bands recorded together in a single room. For the first time since their 2014 debut Annabel Dream Reader, The Wytches—now composed of Kristian Bell (lead vocals/guitar), Daniel Rumsey (bass), Mark Breed (keyboards/guitar), and Bhav Thaker (drums)—opted for a fully live recording approach. Self-produced and engineered by Luke Oldfield, the album captures an unfiltered, analog warmth that highlights the band’s human touch.
The decision to record live came from frontman Kristian Bell’s rediscovery of 1960s rock and its revivalists. While working at a record shop, Bell immersed himself in vintage sounds—from original ‘60s acts to revival bands like The Milkshakes and The Cannibals—whose heavy, raw energy inspired Talking Machine’s aesthetic. Tracks like ‘Black Ice,’ a snarling three-minute burst of psych-surf grit, and ‘Coffin Nails,’ with its dark, urgent pulse, showcase this stripped-back approach. Elsewhere, the haunting ‘Is The World Too Old?’ and the mournful ‘Romance 2’ reveal the band’s more delicate, introspective side.
Bell states:
“We’re always just trying to keep it real. And I think that stands out these days. The most important thing is that it doesn’t sound sterile.”
What emerges is a record that feels alive—human, flawed, and full of heart. The Wytches’ chemistry is palpable, even with newcomer Thaker behind the kit for the first time. By leaning into imperfection and revisiting the live recording spirit of their debut, Talking Machine finds the band sounding more refreshed and confident than ever. In looking back, The Wytches have found their most forward-looking sound yet.
Standout Songs: ‘Black Ice,’ ‘Coffin Nails,’ and ‘Perform.’
Release Date: October 10, 2025
6.8
We’ve covered The Wytches previously: ‘Talking Machine.’
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