Broken Machine is a 5-track effort in which the self-titled track appears on their previous album, Palace of Industrial Hope. And while "Broken Machine" was one of the best songs on that album, this EP debuts four other unreleased tracks that are cohesive to the title track.

Each song in Broken Machine emits a tone of polished anguish, much unlike most punk bands. And while The New Up's sound is a little hard to get used to for those fans, it is immediately accessible for those into new wave.

Beginning with the opener, "Ginger Tea", it's easy to get the feel of the five-track EP. Worth mentioning is ES Pitcher's sultry vocals, which compliment and accentuate The New Up's heavy bass lines, distorted guitars, keys and occasional flute. "Top of the Stairs" is another great track by The New Up, providing a perfect balance between poppy sounds and Pitcher's hot and heavy vocals. "Broken Machine" implements a dizzying mix of gentle keys and flute with snarling guitar while "Libations" places more emphasis on melody as Pitcher and guitarist Noah Reid duet impressively. Equally catchy and potentially the most promising track on the EP is closer "Just Because" for its intoxicating two-note guitar minimalism while Pitcher cries in a cathartic release halfway through the song. "Just Because" is truly a fine end to a fine EP.

Broken Machine isn't groundbreaking music, but the ways in which the band tugs on listener's heart strings makes it an extremely involving and emotive experience. Those looking for gritty sound in their music should look elsewhere. But if the poppy, expansive feel is your thing, then Broken Machine will fill the void that you hadn't realized was there.