Now Here Is Nowhere
by Secret Machines
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: May 18, 2004
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23

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  1. DantheMan
    Mar 8, 2005
    10
    The greatest indie-prog album of all time. This startling debut marries startling experimentalism to remarkable beauty and surprising catchiness. See the Guardian's review for the best summary.
  2. ariellep
    May 18, 2004
    10
    Pure rock... like nothing you've heard before. Turn it up loud... and just escape... It will leave with you with a new taste in your mouth...
  3. Ben
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    This album makes me excited to listen to music again.
  4. zachm
    Jan 21, 2006
    10
    great...all I can say
  5. JenkoF
    Feb 14, 2005
    10
    The album is expertly paced and despite its epic feel sustains its focus throughout -- pretty amazing for a first proper album! Sounds like an 8 on first listen, but your ears eventually unlock the less immediate tracks (like You Are Chains).
  6. BobbyG
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    What an album! The music reminds me of old "Flaming Lips".
  7. joris
    Apr 10, 2006
    9
    Great! Like Sonic Youth meets Pink Floyd meets ... eh something original! Love the drum, outstanding: Road leads where it's lead, Light's On, First wave Intact and Sad and Lonely
  8. AllyR
    Jun 28, 2004
    9
    It's pretty, it's fast, it's uplifting. Fabby.
  9. ZapMan
    Oct 8, 2005
    9
    Very intense and tight record and it should be listened with headphones. Best rock record of 2004. I just love it.
  10. Brian
    Aug 31, 2004
    9
    These guys can rock. Track 4 and 5 (Nowhere Again, and The Road...) are great, and prefectly placed in the album. The ending track, the title track, is a great finisher. I do take points off for putting the 9 minute song as the opener, though. Overall, a great listen. Got mine on iTunes (with bonus tracks).
  11. SteveT
    Jan 10, 2006
    9
    Great, simple melodies, with a bit of 80s flair.
  12. NeilG
    Jul 20, 2004
    8
    Liked it after the 1st and 2nd listens.loved it after the 5th.This record is the perfect blend of power, melody and rhythm and reveals more depth with each spin.believe the hype !
  13. markf
    Jun 8, 2004
    8
    OK, I'm giving this the benefit of a doubt. There's little doubt that John Bonham's spirit hangs high and loud over this album. I do get a couple of Pink Floyd references too. What really seems weird about these guys is that they take Genesis, Yes and Supertramp influences and turn them into very "modern alternative" music. It all seems very enjoyable while you're OK, I'm giving this the benefit of a doubt. There's little doubt that John Bonham's spirit hangs high and loud over this album. I do get a couple of Pink Floyd references too. What really seems weird about these guys is that they take Genesis, Yes and Supertramp influences and turn them into very "modern alternative" music. It all seems very enjoyable while you're listening to it, but somehow, it seems a little strange when compared to something like The Soundtrack of Our Lives. Anyway, if you enjoy any of the bands mentioned, you should like this.… Expand
  14. JohnD
    Jul 1, 2004
    8
    I've bought some utterly rubbish albums this year, but thankfully this record is just absolutely fantastic!
  15. EIsq
    Jul 4, 2004
    8
    a high 8, its got some filler but the stand out tracks are to standy and outy and tracky not to be worthy of an 80
  16. Josh.
    May 18, 2004
    8
    Call it Flaming Floyds, or pehaps Pink Zeppelin, for this utterly massive album feels like an unholy union of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Flaming Lips. If that sounds huge and intriguing, it is: solos, strings, and massive drumming galore are the order of the day here and it's all stunningly executed and dynamic. There's nothing here that hasn't been done a million Call it Flaming Floyds, or pehaps Pink Zeppelin, for this utterly massive album feels like an unholy union of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Flaming Lips. If that sounds huge and intriguing, it is: solos, strings, and massive drumming galore are the order of the day here and it's all stunningly executed and dynamic. There's nothing here that hasn't been done a million times before, but when the results of hero worship fusion are this technically impressive - and just plain entertaining - it's hard to complain. Highlight: the searing "Sad and Lonely". Highly recommended. Bong optional.… Expand
  17. RobertA
    Jun 23, 2004
    8
    this band is great fun music go listen

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    They take Pink Floyd psychedelia, Led Zeppelin stomp and Who-inspired choruses and charge them full of big-rock beats, atmospheric keyboards and all kinds of electronic whooshes.
    Read full review
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    Riveting from beginning to end, Now Here Is Nowhere is a delightful record filled with memorable and often astonishing songs, showcasing a young band that has set the foundation for one exciting future.
    Read full review
  3. Village Voice
    80
    Too bad FM radio still has its head stuck up its pre-1980 ass, 'cause the album is so FM—so non-single-driven AOR—but in such a cool robot-from-the-2004-future-sent-to-save-rock-in-the-past sort of way.
    Read full review
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