Available at CDBaby.com or iTunes
NeuFutur November 2006
The disc’s first track is odd to say the least. The first half of this seventy
second track starts off with a very “Children of the Corn” type of chanting,
before Secret Apollo moves into a seventies rock type of sound. “Daydreamers
Anonymous” brings a few different styles to the repertoire of Secret Apollo.
In fact, the only thing that seems to be a constant with Secret Apollo has
to be the interesting production values that the band uses for “Homemade
Time Machine”. There is a little bit of echo that is strewn throughout the
track. The ending of “Daydreamers Anonymous” recalls the instrumental backdrop
of “Missed Me” by Dressy Bessy, from the But I’m A Cheerleader soundtrack.
The blend of seventies rock and alternative music is perfected for “Piccolo”.
There are a number of bands that Secret Apollo recall with this track,
a list that includes Polaris and a harder-edged Edwin McCain. “The Museum
of Making Music’ moves Secret Apollo into a “Edison Museum”-era They Might
Be Giant (and I’m not just saying that because both tracks deal with a museum).
Secret Apollo begin “Plane Ape” with a guitar arrangement that is comparable
to “Paranoid Android”-era Radiohead, while simultaneously crafting their
own style during this track. The tracks are not at the cutting edge of experimentation,
but each of the eighteen tracks on “Homemade Time Machine” is short enough
that individuals will never feel as if the band has fallen into a rut with
their music. Secret Apollo is an interesting band, and I am proud to say
that I had no clue what was in store from the band with each subsequent
track on this album.
The vocals at times approach Fred Schneider from the B-52s, but not in
the annoying way some may think. The disc is compelling and tells a story,
even if the majority of tracks do not have much in common beyond the lead
vocalist and a general focus on alternative music. Secret Apollo is a band
that came out of left field, and their catchy music (exemplified in tracks
like “Universe”) is something that more individuals should focus in on.
The production may be odd at times, but the skill and ability of the band
is more than enough to make up for anything that might be lacking in that
department. Hit up Secret Apollo’s website and make sure to buy a copy of
this album.
The Music Edge November 2006
As bizarre and out there as they are, I can’t help but love Secret Apollo. They are so amateur, so inexplicable, and so weird that I found myself laughing more than I found myself cursing their repetitious chorus lines and dreading the crazy 18 tracks of noise.
Some of their songs are nothing more than an extended minute of guitar distortion. Secret Apollo reminds me of this crazy show I once came across on the Disney Channel that had three main characters in bright and cheerful costumes who were all in band together, much like the Wiggles, except they only had three fingers on each hand. This band however, definitely has some non-kid-friendly lyrics.
None of the 18 tracks last long, but what they lack in length is made up in potent perkiness and straight up entertainment. Track 7, “Completely,” is my favorite. “Com-f******-pletely!!!” loops over and over some finally decent guitar lines. Those darned members of Secret Apollo are no lyrical geniuses, but they aren’t that dull either. Utilizing simplistic styles and gung-ho enthusiasm while using the same words and same chord progressions multiple times, it’s pretty clear that Secret Apollo think they are the sh*t! The runner up song is “Museum of Making Music,” having worked in the same building as the museum, how could I not include it in the top 2? When it comes down to it, Secret Apollo isn’t afraid to flaunt it even when they don’t have it. Dripping with honesty and catchy ditties, Homemade Time Machine will take you wherever you want to go.
Reviewer Magazine #32 October 2006
Secret Apollo have twiddled and fiddled with the knobs in the studio for a bit and wound up with this ultra-cool, way hip CD, which is not too long, either, only about 40 minutes altogether. Ther are just so many superlatives I could go on with here, but, so I don’t sound like a fawning, pawing sycophant I’ll just leave it at that. Suffice to say that I will keep HOMEMADE TIME MACHINE close by so I can listen to it often in the months to come. Secret Apollo have a mix of the aforementioned cleverness, especially in the lyrics, along with some good musicianship, wicked axe-wielding and suck, it rocks, it swoons, it croons. S.A. remind me of the Heavy Vegetable/Thingy/Pinback axis and have that self-aware hipsterism of Weezer eleven or twelve years ago. “Planet Ape” and “the Museum of making Music” are two of the songs that stood out; I mean the CD is an album you have to listen to all the way through, like NEW YORK or DIAMON DOGS, but if you only have a few minutes to sample it, check those out. - KM
Smother Magazine September 2006
“Homemade Time Machine” is a freak-out punk extravaganza. But not your normal punk, but a power pop punk rock adventure. Catchy female vocals with male vocals harmonize with slightly nasal undertones that would fit perfect in that local garage band you’ve heard stories about. Upbeat songs that are quick and to the point with a sneering sense of humor drawn in. - J-Sin
CityBeat Magazine Demo Review Issue 2005
I was sort of anticipating The Pixies’ "Debaser" to break out of my speakers at any given second. The experimental mix of good ‘ol rock ‘n’ roll with harmonized duet that this three-piece produces is fun and exhilaratingly happy. - Melissa Edwards