Claw Machine is much like a phoenix, rising from the ashes of past pop-punk bands (Bellwether, A Swift Farewell) and evolving into a midwest emo-inspired duo. Members Gabrielle Michael (Vocals) and Joshua Tchatchanidze (Guitar) bonded over their love of the genre many years ago and finally feel at home in this new musical outfit.
During the final stretch of Bellwether’s run as a band, Gabs and Josh felt the gaping hole in their hearts that their band had previously filled. A phone call to Gabs posed the question “should we start our own band?”, a quick “Yes!” and two years later, Claw Machine was born. Inspired by the poppier side of the midwest emo scene, namely bands like Hot Mulligan, Riley! and Summerbruise, their debut track hopes to bring a taste of this rich scene to Australia. Claw Machine hopes to create a community with people who also yearn for the midwest emo scene.
Claw Machine’s debut single ‘that’s too much, man!’ explores the complicated relationship with yourself after experiencing multiple failed relationships, the trauma it leaves and the difficulty of processing past hurt in new relationships. Gabs reflects on the inspiration of the song:
The chorus came to me in a quick burst of anger one afternoon when I was feeling frustrated with my lack of progress in improving my mental health. I just thought, everyone around me has probably been suffering around me for years and that’s why nothing’s ever worked out. I was left questioning ‘am I really as awful as I think? I wish I could find out.’ For some reason, the only logical way I thought I’d be able to find out was to clone myself and run a science experiment with my shiny new science degree. I showed it to Josh one afternoon and we finished writing it together - it was the first time the band felt real to me.
With ‘that’s too much, man!’ being a painfully honest admission of your own self-criticisms, it was fitting to reference Bojack Horseman in its title. Claw Machine strives to write catchy songs that are sonically upbeat and energetic, contrasted with blatantly anguishing lyrics to give listeners an emotional outlet to scream along to. Their debut single drops with a homemade video filmed on a digicam, featuring friends on a fun day out that contrasts the heavy lyrical themes.
Behind the scenes, Claw Machine continues to write new music with another single expected early next year.