Machiavel

Album Overview

"New Lines" is the fifth studio album by the Belgian band Machiavel. Released in 1980 under the Harvest label, this album showcases the band's evolution in sound. The band recorded this work at DAWN Studio, highlighting their commitment to quality production.

Production and Personnel

The album was produced by Derek Lawrence, a British producer known for his work with early Deep Purple and Wishbone Ash. The lineup for "New Lines" features Mario Guccio on lead vocals and saxhorn, Marc Ysaÿe on drums and percussion, Roland De Greef on bass guitar and synthesizers, and Thierry Plas on lead guitar, who replaced Jean-Paul Devaux for this release. This change in the lineup brought a fresh dynamic to the band's sound.

Musical Style and Themes

"New Lines" marks Machiavel's transition towards a more polished sound characteristic of 1980s melodic art-pop and energetic New Wave rock. The album features driving synthesizers and punchy hooks, drawing comparisons to bands such as The Police and Roxy Music. The opening track, "Fly," stands out as a massive hit, becoming the best-selling single in Belgian music history. This track alone helped propel the album to Platinum status in Belgium.

Track Highlights

The album consists of ten tracks, each contributing to its cohesive sound. Alongside "Fly," other notable tracks include "Lying World" and "Relax," which further exemplify the band's commitment to blending rock and pop elements. The lyrical themes span various topics, providing listeners with an engaging experience throughout the album.

Release Details

"New Lines" was released in 1980, under the catalog number 4C 064-64010 by EMI Belgium. The album is available in vinyl format, appealing to collectors and audiophiles alike. Its distinct blend of genres makes it a noteworthy entry in Machiavel's discography.