London-based duo Arliston have once again proven their ability to craft poignant, emotionally resonant music with their latest single, “Disappointment Machine”. As the title track of their forthcoming debut album, the song dives deep into the repetitive nature of self-sabotaging behaviours and the inner conflict that arises when rationalising their impact. Known for their evocative soundscapes and heart-rending lyricism, Jack Ratcliffe and George Hasbury have solidified their reputation as purveyors of nuanced songs with this introspective release.

“This song gets into the repeated pattern of behaviour which leads mechanically and invariably to disappointment. It also attempts to put into context the fact that it’s a ‘tiny problem’ and does not matter, but despite the attempts to minimise it, the feelings remain the same.”

Built on a foundation of delicate piano chords and atmospheric textures, “Disappointment Machine” unfolds with understated elegance. The duo’s layered, earthy and aching vocal harmonies add depth to the track’s already wistful tone. As Arliston describe, the song wrestles with the inevitability of disappointment born from repeating harmful habits, while acknowledging the disproportionate weight these “tiny problems” can carry in our emotional lives. The result is a deeply relatable meditation on human frailty.

Adding to the song’s impact is a striking music video directed by Screenology’s Meriwether Freya Lewis. Featuring actor Cailum Carragher, the video portrays a monk’s Rumspringa-like quest for connection and purpose. Its serene yet haunting imagery mirrors the song’s exploration of longing and the illusions of fulfillment, providing a powerful visual counterpart to Arliston’s already masterful storytelling.

With “Disappointment Machine”, Arliston deliver an intricate, melancholic exploration of life’s emotional cycles. It’s an achingly beautiful preview of what’s to come from their debut LP.

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