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Enigmatic Sound Machines - 2025 - "Imperfect Silence" (52:39; Elegant Simplicity) Jeremie Arrobas (Keyboards, synths, Hammond-B3, piano, guitars, synth bass, lead vocals, and sound machines) and Thomas Szirmay (sound machines, backing vocals) are back with their third album, and have again been joined by guests Alain Roig (guitars) and Hansford Rowe (bass), plus this time around we also have Alain Bellaiche (guitars) and Rob Harrison (sax, flute). Jeremie and Thomas were childhood friends, both very interested in prog, with Jeremie forming Men Without Hats while Thomas is a well-known reviewer in prog circles. In the summer of 2023 Jeremie wanted to start recording again, even though he had lost 80% of his hearing, so he contacted his old friend Thomas and together they released "Telepathic Waves". They brought in some guests and expanded the sound and styles on last year's "The Hierarchies of Angels" and have done the same again with "Imperfect Silence". They are coming into prog from the area of electronic music, with Tangerine Dream and possibly Kraftwerk being the main influences. Utilising the skills of Rob Harrison has had a major impact on the sound, and there are times when we are reminded of early Roxy Music when Eno was still involved, but the more delicate stylings as opposed to the brash "Virginia Plain", as well as some of the more ambient workings of Peter Gabriel. One can imagine some of the songs here being used as singles, not something often thought of within the genre, and if they had been released forty years ago, they could well have had significant success. It does sound dated, but not in an unpleasant manner, although I must confess the programmed drums do little for me apart from keeping time, and it would be interesting to hear what would happen to the overall sound if they brought in a real drummer, but there again this does very much have a studio feel about it with plenty of layers and it is quite possible the way the music is created the drums are added at the end (interestingly I know that is how Gerry Conway often worked with Fairport Convention, with the main instruments recorded using a click track and then Gerry coming in at the end). Overall, this is an enjoyable album albeit not essential, but it is interesting to see there have been many more reviews for this one than their last (mine is still the only one on PA) so the guys are getting some momentum which is great to see. I have known Thomas for years, and it is wonderful to see him getting recognition for this as well as his writings. Progtector: October 2025 Related Links: Enigmatic Sound Machines Progrock.com