Australian-Chinese DJ and producer Monster Machine, known to her mates as Penny Yang, has officially cemented her arrival in the global electronic scene with the release of her highly anticipated four-track debut EP, 'EXALTED'. This project is far more than just a collection of tracks; it is a fearless and future-focused mission statement from an artist who refuses to be confined by conventional genre boundaries.
Monster Machine has been steadily building hype over the past year, initially making waves in the thriving Sydney dance community before gaining wider recognition. After becoming a finalist in the prestigious YourShot DJ competition in 2022, her hard-hitting bass sets saw her sharing stages with heavyweights. This groundwork paved the way for a string of singles—the intense 'Rage', the captivating 'Losing My Mind', and the relentless 'Hopeless'—each one showcasing an increasing command of sonic dynamics. Her profile gained further traction recently with an energetic appearance on Triple J’s Friday Mix programme with Kailynn Crabb, demonstrating her versatility and skill behind the decks.
The music contained within 'EXALTED' is a dynamic and deliberately explosive soundclash. Drawing inspiration from trap titans like RL Grime and the precision engineering of artists such as Nitepunk and Knock2, Monster Machine constructs a soundscape that is both immediately impactful and intricately layered. Throughout the EP, listeners are taken on a journey traversing the thumping bass of trap, the energetic cadence of 140 (UK bass/grime tempo), and the sharply defined textures of neurofunk drum & bass. While many producers cherry-pick sounds, Monster Machine seamlessly merges them, creating a sonic identity rooted in power and experimental flair.
The project reaches its dramatic conclusion with the eponymous title track, 'Exalted', a collaboration with fellow Sydney producer Arky Waters. This finale perfectly encapsulates the EP’s signature marriage of intense energy and deep, atmospheric space. As Monster Machine herself notes, the collaboration was a critical turning point: “The final track of my ep is a collaboration with Arky Waters. It’s a graduation of my sound, Restrained but cavernous.”
EXALTED is the exhilarating outcome of months of creative evolution, confirming Monster Machine’s place as one of Australia’s most vital emerging producers. Offering both raw energy and meticulous production, the EP is a compulsory listen for anyone seeking forward-thinking bass music. Stream it now.
For more, be sure to connect with Monster Machine on Instagram and Facebook.
