For the first feature of our Cassette Made In Portugal column, we chose MAQUINA.

    MAQUINA. are a Lisbon-based trio and one of the most active Portuguese bands on the European circuit. The current lineup features Halison Peres (drums and vocals), João Cavalheiro (guitar) and José Rego (bass), who replaced Tomás Brito, the bassist during the band’s formative years and early releases. Over the past few years, the trio has solidified a singular sonic identity capable of drawing in diverse audiences and crossing both geographical and stylistic boundaries.

    MAQUINA.’s music is built around repetition and minimalism, where krautrock and industrial electronics intertwine, often layered with noise and experimental textures. The combination generates a positive, restless energy that is intensely compelling and impossible not to move to. Their sound is simultaneously mechanical and organic, hypnotic yet full of drive, designed to capture the listener and make every rhythmic impulse felt.

    In 2023, MAQUINA. released Dirty Tracks for Clubbing, followed by Prata in 2024, issued by the UK-based Fuzz Club Records. These releases mark a significant step in the band’s international projection, showcasing their evolution and consolidating their unique sound, positioning them firmly within the European alternative and experimental music scene.

    Live, MAQUINA. are renowned for their physical intensity and strong instrumental focus. Hypnotic repetition, insistent rhythmic patterns and dense textures combine to create fully immersive experiences — shows where dancing becomes almost inevitable. Their performances cross generations and musical tastes, bringing together fans of rock, electronics, techno and experimental music in venues that sell out almost immediately, both in Portugal and abroad.

    The band has consistently toured across Europe, distinguishing themselves as one of the country’s most industrious live acts. A high point in their international trajectory came with a “Live on KEXP” session, recorded during the Trans Musicales in Rennes, France. During the session, MAQUINA. performed some of their most striking tracks, including “dança”, “kontakte”, “denial” and “:.”, capturing the raw energy and precision of their live performance. The session is available on the official KEXP YouTube channel, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the band’s sound firsthand.

    In Portugal, MAQUINA. are renowned for selling out virtually every venue they play, building a reputation based on the intensity of their performances, their musical creativity and a relentless work ethic. MAQUINA. represent a new generation of Portuguese artists who traverse boundaries between rock, krautrock, electronics and experimental music, creating a sound that is intense, immersive and constantly in motion — a sound that unites generations and diverse audiences in a single, unforgettable space.