Sound of Machines

Not unlike the melting pot that Brooklyn-based Zigmat calls home, the band's debut release blends cultures and enigmatic styles. Over an unwavering trip-hop base, "Sound of Machines" kneads in a dash of rock and pop flair and has already inspired comparisons to such established trip-hop acts as Massive Attack, Air and Goldfrapp. Add a pinch of Latin flavor, courtesy of Monica Rodriguez's smooth transitions between her native Spanish and English on "Don't Tire," one of the album's strongest tracks. In the opener, "Whisper," it is apparent that the haunting tone of Rodriguez's voice is the band's secret weapon, adding an intoxicating layer of sound. "Watch the World" showcases her rapturous range before shifting into an infusion of rock supported by bass player Stephen Yonkin. The album finishes with "Machine," full of dark bass and evocative lyrics that spawned the album's title.—Lara Marsman