The Airborne Toxic Event just released two new albums – Dope Machines and Songs of God and Whiskey; the latter of the two is, however, only available online at this point.

Dope Machines is fully available for purchase. This album strays from the normal Airborne style, featuring EDM backbeats underlying the normal Mikel Jollett raspy vocals making for an interesting combination. I am not sure whether I should dance to the music or sit on the floor and contemplate life as I usually feel like doing when listening to Jollett’s lyrics.

As a long-time Airborne fan, I find this album a little disappointing because it is not the sound I fell in love with in earlier albums like their self-titled 2009 release. However, I am impressed at the transition the band has made, taking a detour from their signature guitar and violin combination. Dope Machines is their first album with Epic Records and the change of sound might help the band attract a more diverse following.

I would not go as far to say that Dope Machines is my favorite new release of 2015; tracks like “The Thing About Dreams” feature beats that are reminiscent of the prerecorded tracks my grandfather used to use on his keyboard. What keeps me hooked on The Airborne Toxic Event, though, is their other new release, Songs of God and Whiskey.

This album, available only on Airborne’s website in conjunction with a CD copy of Dope Machines, features songs with the same melancholy, yet angsty vocals veteran fans have come to know and love paired with acoustic guitar. Songs of God and Whiskey is comprised of songs recorded in a small studio in LA taken from the past 10 years of Jollett’s songwriting. I have already fallen in love with tracks “The Fall of Rome” and “A Certain Type of Girl”.

If you are looking for something new to check out, I would recommend Dope Machines and its dancy beats. If you are more interested in sticking to The Airborne Toxic Event’s classic sound, give Songs of God and Whiskey a try.

Dope Machines was released on Feb. 24 by Epic Records