Combining atmospheric keyboards, droney, open string guitar lines, thunderous yet precise drum beats and often cryptic lyrics, New York trio the Secret Machines create a sound that fuses elements of psychedelia, alternative rock, pop, prog, Krautrock and shoe gaze. In sum, they craft a sonic landscape that we can only describe as “indie”.

When they fled the major-label confines of Reprise Records in 2008 to independently release The Secret Machines, it was no big surprise. Now, as they finalize mixes on their second album on their TSM imprint, the Secret Machines are playing China on their own terms.

“Doing it ourselves, I have appreciated the level of control in how we are presented,” explains singer / keyboardist / bassist Brandon Curtis. “For good or for bad, at least we did it our way.”

The Secret Machines’ road from 2004’s “next big thing” to fledgling entrepreneurs has come with hurdles and trials. Beginning with the departure of Curtis’ guitar-wielding brother Ben, and the arrival of new axe man Phil Karnats, the Secret Machines have managed to evolve seamlessly as a unit.

“The music has been driven by songs that I have written, then collaborated on with Josh [Garza, drums] and either Ben or Phil,” adds Curtis. “I consider Secret Machines to be in the lineage of rock bands that provide immersive experiences ... loud and bright, something to lose yourself in.”

Having already released several tracks online for their forthcoming LP, including “Like I Can,” which features string arrangements by the legendary Tony Visconti (T-Rex, David Bowie), the Secret Machines are in top musical form, keeping all their distribution options open.

“I would like to work with a label again,” says Curtis. “Small labels have the capacity to be more nimble and responsive to whatever is happening.”

Business aside, the Secret Machines are back to what they do best–ripping transcendental live shows. Of their show at MAO Livehouse on March 20th, Curtis says, “We like to play a little bit of every [era]. I think you can expect a very powerful show.”

-- Nickolas Shvili

Secret Machines play at Mao Livehouse on Saturday, March 20th