BEATIFIC’s latest opus, Soft Machines, is a mesmerizing blend of modern gospel pop and electronic psychedelia, delivering a thought-provoking exploration of wasted potential and existential malaise. From its very first notes, the track draws us into its dimensional and progressive soundscape. The pizzicato strings introduce a sense of delicate urgency, soon joined by a cerebral, textured beat that expands into an astral sonic universe. Reminiscent of Gorillaz in its vocal production, Radiohead in emotional vibe, and Flaming Lips in its cosmic instrumentation, Soft Machines is as much an experience as it is a song.
Lyrically, the track captures the disillusionment of youth with raw honesty. Lines like “Squandering your life only 17 / Figured you could do almost anything” reflect the boundless optimism of adolescence, juxtaposed against the crushing reality of routine and stagnation. The repetition of “settlin’, we’re settlin’” creates an almost hypnotic mantra, underscoring the theme of resigned acceptance. The song’s central metaphor, “we’re all just soft machines,” suggests a mechanical existence, one where people move through life without agency, reduced to mere biological functions rather than conscious beings.
As the song progresses, its narrative expands with situational prose, painting vignettes of broken dreams and compromised futures. “Yeah you could have been a beauty queen / But your vices yeah they set the scene” alludes to the way external influences – whether addiction, toxic relationships, or societal expectations – can dictate one’s trajectory. The imagery of “your sugardaddy yeah he so mean / Crown of glory now we’re all clean” evokes a sense of transactional survival, where aspirations are replaced by the need to simply get by.
Musically, Soft Machines thrives on its ability to balance accessibility with complexity. The layered production creates an immersive atmosphere, swirling with celestial synths and dynamic percussion. The track’s progressive structure ensures that no moment feels stagnant, continually evolving as new sonic textures emerge. The rhythmic interplay between the beats and vocal delivery enhances the song’s hypnotic pull, drawing the listener deeper into its introspective world.
Perhaps the most striking element of Soft Machines is its high emotional quotient. The song doesn’t just depict existential crisis – it makes you feel it. The chorus, echoing with “Nothing left… left to do… ricochet… from day to day,” encapsulates the cyclical nature of a life stuck in limbo. The inclusion of “Mama told me there’d be nights like these” adds a layer of generational wisdom, a reminder that these struggles are neither new nor unique.
Live, this track would undoubtedly be a transcendental experience. The dynamic production, poetic lyricism, and emotive performance all suggest that Soft Machines is built for more than just passive listening – it demands to be felt in a communal space. Its introspective depth, paired with its celestial sonics, positions it as anthemic in both personal and universal ways.
As the lead single from Life Under Tension, Soft Machines sets the tone for an epic album. With its genius conceptual execution and poetic prowess, it stands as a testament to BEATIFIC’s artistry – an electrifying meditation on what it means to be human. We have added the philosophical track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream BEATIFIC’s wider discography, including the entirety of Life Under Tension, Hills Have Eyes, Tough Enough and Smile Dangerous.