As a casual lover of anything remotely sci-fi, my imagination was instantly hooked by the title of Mi6’s latest offering, 'The Mind Machine', and its wicked artwork—which reminded me of the odd brain/eyes sculpture perched above my desk.
From the very first beat, my appreciation sparked to life like a neuron fired from the depths of the band’s motherboard. I was pulled into their hypnotic circuitry - a dark, mesmerizing blend of post-punk grimace and electronic precision, delivered with a mature, brooding lilt. Vocally, it’s more Leonard Cohen than the shouty industrial fare we’ve all endured. Honestly, it’s like hearing Cohen front Kraftwerk—imagine that! The subtle female backing vocals add a layer of elegance that softens the machine’s edge, making it feel even more sassy.
The rhythm pulses like the inner workings of a sentient robot, while icy synths shimmer and slice through the mix with calculated intensity. It’s unsettling in the best way - like stepping into a cybernetic dreamscape where emotion and control blur beautifully. What struck me most was the balance: beneath the industrial energy lies a melodic subtlety, a poetic harmony that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.
Mi6 reunites seasoned creators - Richard Belgium, JHell Berge, Dominique Nuydt and Misty - each steeped in decades of underground resonance. Their roots in new wave, cold wave, goth and punk are unmistakable, yet this project feels welcoming and dignified. You can hear the DIY spirit of the late seventies and eighties in every note, filtered through a modern lens of darkwave sophistication. The video is fun, too.
LINK: mi6.music
LINK: mi6.music