My Soft Machine

Released in 2023, My Soft Machine marks Arlo Parks' transition from the 'voice of lockdown' to a more collaborative and sonically adventurous artist. Recorded over 18 months during touring gaps, the album features a diverse production team including Paul Epworth and Romil Hemnani, which pushes her sound toward indie-rock and shoegaze influences - specifically citing My Bloody Valentine and Fontaines D.C. as inspirations. This is most evident on tracks like 'Devotion,' which utilizes uncharacteristic guitar distortion. The album's title, borrowed from the film The Souvenir, reflects the fragility of the human body and mind. Lyrically, Parks moves beyond the observational storytelling of her debut to a more visceral, first-person exploration of her mid-20s, touching on substance abuse, queer love, and mental health. The inclusion of Phoebe Bridgers on 'Pegasus' cements the album's position at the intersection of modern indie and soul.