Arliston’s ‘Disappointment Machine’ exists in liminal moments of loss, confusion and desire

Arliston is the London-based duo Jack Ratcliffe (vocalist/instrumentalist) and George Hasbury (instrumentalist/producer), who have released singles ‘Monks of Lindisfarne’, ‘Vertical’ and ‘What Did I Think Would Happen’ in the run up into their debut album Disappointment Machine (out 7th February 2025). Now the incredible title-track joins this string of introspective and intimate pieces to further complete the emotive world-building that Arliston executes so well.

The single ‘Disappointment Machine’ is permeated with a sense of loss, confusion and desire. It revolves around the relatable idea of repeating patterns of behaviour that many of us fall into, whether that's by choice, accident, or simple refusal to change. While we might have a more nuanced understanding these days, this idea still holds true in many situations and it’s one that strikes true for Arliston’s latest album track ‘Disappointment Machine’.

As the band explain, “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.”‍

It’s the palpable imagery of trying to hang one’s problems onto a coat hanger that proves the originality of the band’s expressive songwriting. Self-described as “sad song specialists”, songs like ‘Disappointment Machine’ captures the “liminal moments” of isolated uncertainty of that particularly fraught time of life, our late twenties and early thirties. Whether listeners are going through the fray right now, anticipating what’s to come, or reflecting on the confusion of their past, the relatability of Arliston’s songwriting is undeniable.

As well as being a stand-alone piece of art, this track fits into the wider narrative arc of the album, which will take the listeners on an emotive journey from initial, devastating heartbreak to something bordering acceptance… even a little glimmer of hope. The only way to get there is to go through and as Ratcliffe knowingly declares, staying stuck in the same cycles “doesn’t work. It won’t ever stop you from feeling the way you’re feeling.”

‘Disappointment Machine’ is also accompanied by an evocative music video, directed by recent Screenology graduates Director Meriwether Freya Lewis and Producer Milly Ruston, captures a unique blend of humor and introspection. Filmed around Bristol, the video follows a monk, played by Cailum Carragher, who leaves the quiet sanctuary of his monastery in pursuit of something more - only to find that the connection he seeks may be an illusion. Inspired by the Amish tradition of Rumspringa, the narrative reflects the allure of adventure and worldly experiences, while also hinting at the enduring pull of solitude and spiritual fulfillment. Arliston compares the monk’s journey to the song’s theme of seeking connection with an intensity that can sometimes blind us to the truth about the person, or the goal, at the other end.

Collaborating with Freya and her team allowed Arliston to focus solely on storytelling, and the result is a beautifully balanced piece that mixes humor with sincere self-reflection. This thoughtful exploration of “fool’s gold” perfectly mirrors Arliston’s introspective musical style, transforming a simple story into a powerful metaphor for finding meaning in unexpected places.

The outfit’s key influences like The National, Bon Iver, and Damien Rice come through in their wide-ranging elements and crisp production, drawing out what they affectionately call “hardcore misery”.

Arliston, Disappointment Machine, Official Music Video: 

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