“Machines”, the highly anticipated second album by Bad Request Band, released on January 24, 2025, marking a bold and mature evolution for the Rio-based trio. If their debut EP, “ERROR!“, was a visceral scream of a band discovering its identity amidst chaos, “Machines” is the echo of that scream: deeper, darker, and more introspective. Presented as an LP with seven impactful tracks, the album expands the band’s artistic vision while preserving the essence that captivated their fanbase, exploring new sonic and emotional territories.

The creative process began during the recordings of “ERROR!”. Inspired by the accumulated experience and the intense connection between its members, Yan Pessoa (vocals and bass), Thiago Barradas (guitar), and Raphael Barradas (drums) continued working tirelessly through jam sessions in the guitarist’s “bedroom studio” in Campo Grande, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The experience of their debut EP made the process smoother, though still challenging, as they polished every detail throughout 2024. As with the previous work, the trio immersed themselves in their life experiences, experiments, and improvisations to create a sound that echoes the complexities of the human mind and emotional struggles.

The lyrics and compositions reflect the collective and individual journeys of the members. From melodies created by Yan on the acoustic guitar and deeply personal lyrics, to fragments of riffs and poetry rescued from Thiago’s past. Each track carries a unique story. Some, like “Rolling Away” and “Nothing Like Before”, emerged spontaneously during unplanned jam sessions, while others, like “Feel This Desire” and “Closed Doors”, stemmed from Yan’s initial lyrics and melodies, refined through long, collaborative rehearsals. “Secrets” was born from one of Yan’s older compositions, reimagined and built upon its existing melody to create a striking track. Meanwhile, “Modern Life” and “Waiting For The Death” were rooted in Thiago’s lyrics and arrangements, with one being a recent creation and the other based on a poem (“Chuva Ácida”) he wrote in 2011.

Once again, the renowned producer Celo Oliveira joined the project, despite being semi-retired from external productions. His dedication, combined with technical precision and humor, resulted in intense yet relaxed recording sessions. Through sharp critiques and encouragement, the band reached new heights of quality. A highlight is “Nothing Like Before”, where Celo contributed acoustic arrangements that enriched the melody, adding a special touch to the album.

“Machines” is not just a continuation of “ERROR!“ but a complement that expands the band’s sonic and thematic universe. It’s a conceptual album where the tone evolves deliberately: it begins with the energy of someone still fighting against adversity and ends in a virile tone of acceptance and resignation, almost like the final breath of someone who decides to stop swimming against the current. From the frenetic opener “Feel This Desire” to the devastating closing track “Waiting For The Death”, the album takes listeners on an emotional journey that reflects the instability and challenges of modern life.

1. Feel This Desire is an energetic punk track with striking riffs and an interlude that evokes the sensation of being on a fast-paced car journey. The song speaks of romantic disillusionment and the struggle to move forward, even as internal voices try to pull you back.

2. Rolling Away features a powerful riff and impactful vocals, diving into a narrative of growth and self-accountability. It’s an explosion of grunge with a welcoming structure that embraces the listener.

3. Secrets is chaotic and progressive, with rhythmic shifts that reflect the difficulty of confronting past mistakes. The song becomes a metaphor for the internal battle between giving up and fighting against personal chaos.

4. Modern Life, the heaviest track on the album, critiques the overload of modern existence. With aggressive riffs and devastating lyrics, it addresses how technology and excessive information exacerbate emotional problems, creating an unbearable mental weight.

5. Nothing Like Before presents a melody that gradually builds, alternating between calmness and intensity. Combining influences from classic grunge and metal, it reflects on how life never returns to its previous state after moments of trauma and pain.

6. Closed Doors blends swing and distortion with irregular tempos and abrupt changes. The song reflects on accepting life’s struggles and the difficulty of finding joy in small things, as closed doors remind us of missed opportunities, often left shut by our own fear of truly living.

7. Waiting For The Death closes the album with an anthemic, somber tone. With growing riffs and an emotional solo, the track portrays the final mental exhaustion of an overwhelmed mind, culminating in a bassline that mimics the sound of a heartbeat stopping—symbolizing the inevitable end.

“Machines” is a conceptual work that captures the complexity of human emotions, the highs and lows of life, and the impact of modernity on our sanity. It is more than an alternative rock album: it is a sensory and reflective experience that challenges listeners to confront their own shadows. With its heavy, introspective, and modern sound, Bad Request Band solidifies its place in the music scene as a band capable of turning chaos into art.