With their latest single, Disappointment Machine, London-based duo Arliston—comprising Jack Ratcliffe and George Hasbury—delve even deeper into the introspective and emotive soundscape they’ve meticulously built leading up to their debut album of the same name, set for release on February 7, 2025.
A poignant meditation on cycles of behavior that lead inevitably to disappointment, the track resonates with anyone familiar with the push-and-pull of self-awareness and inertia. Ratcliffe’s evocative lyrics, paired with the duo’s signature blend of atmospheric instrumentation and emotional restraint, capture the complexity of trying to minimize life’s small yet persistent problems while acknowledging their lingering impact.
The imagery of “hanging problems onto a coat hanger” underscores the originality of Arliston’s songwriting, steeped in the liminal uncertainties of late twenties and early thirties life. Their self-described role as “sad song specialists” rings true here, as Disappointment Machine explores universal struggles with honesty and emotional clarity.
Sonically, the track fits seamlessly into the larger arc of the album, moving listeners from heartbreak to an uneasy acceptance, with hints of hope glimmering on the horizon. Through its layered production and raw vulnerability, Disappointment Machine is both a stand-alone triumph and a keystone in the duo’s narrative exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery.
With this release, Arliston continues to establish themselves as purveyors of deeply affecting and relatable art, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable debut album.
