Several months ago, Asheville band Silver Machine played the Electronic Music Showcase at the Orange Peel. Billed as the band’s last show on earth, the gig was their final live appearance before they got busy recording their second album.

Fast forward to now, and Silver Machine are ready to release that album, Symmetry. They’ve put in countless hours recording and perfecting each song on the album, and I use the term perfecting literally here. After their famed “Last Show on Earth” at the Orange Peel last June, the band took up full-time residence in their studio in outer space (hey, this is their shtick, not mine) and the result is a collection of songs that are almost surreal to listen to. There is nothing mainstream about this sound, nothing remotely mediocre or middle-of-the-road; Bruce Springsteen would spin in his grave if these guys were on the shelf next to him. You know why nobody buys full-length albums anymore? Because they all seem to have one or two catchy radio tunes, and the rest is just filler to kill time. It’s the equivalent of the busywork you had to do in elementary school when you finished your spelling test, and it sucks.

Symmetry is not one of those albums. Every song on the album catches and holds your attention, and the entire thing almost demands to be listened to continuously, much the same way you’re compelled to listen to Pink Floyd. There is no way to describe their sound, though I attempted to once, using phrases like “pure glitterfunk bliss.” Silver Machine have created a sound all their own; it’s an organic, psychedelic trip that they’ve termed “space rock,” and that fits as well as anything. This isn’t some post-adolescent tool with a laptop and a bunch of sound effects, though the music clearly has a distinct electronic feel. These are four experienced, classically trained, real musicians, playing real instruments, making real music that will make you think you’re having flashbacks to the best trip you ever took. And they’re just regular guys; they have jobs and families and bills to pay, which is why they’ve started a Kickstarter campaign. Just six days into the campaign, Silver Machine’s fans pulled together to help them meet their goal, so the album will be ready for its April 1, 2012 release. However, they still need your help. Additional contributions will allow them to create an even higher-quality pressing than originally anticipated, and will help offset the costs of marketing and promoting Symmetry. Rest assured that every penny pledged goes toward this album-with enough pledges, we may even be lucky enough to see a vinyl pressing of Symmetry. To see details of Silver Machine’s Kickstarter campaign or to pledge your support, please click here.

april fox is a freelance writer, poet, and owner of pink fox creative services in asheville, nc. visit pink fox creative here, enjoy her blog, or follow her on facebook.