Now available once again to the public, The Rhythm Machine‘s legendary 1976 debut album returns in its original packaging, fully legit and lovingly reissued. A heady mix of brilliant soul, haunting ballads, and high-energy mid-70s funk, this LP is best experienced from start to finish — a true deep-dive into a forgotten gem.

Hailing from Indianapolis, the Rhythm Machine emerged from the ashes of cult funk outfit The Highlighters, founded in the early ’70s by James Boone (bass) and James Brantley (guitar). The band carved out a unique niche in funk history, bridging the gritty late-’60s era and the polished groove of the mid-’70s, releasing hard-to-find sides across a range of indie labels between 1968 and 1976.

Their one and only LP, originally released in 1976, is a wild, super-groovy ride — tight, funky, and full of unexpected turns. At first listen, you’ll hear echoes of Earth, Wind & Fire: deep basslines, tight rhythms, and punchy horn sections. But dig deeper, and you’ll discover a sound that’s looser, cooler, and more idiosyncratic. Smooth, jazzy undertones run throughout, adding a fresh, almost improvisational energy.

Tracks drift into dreamy, cosmic funk territory — romantic, spacey, and timeless. The production is silky and fluid, letting guitars shimmer and keyboards float. And when the soprano sax enters? Pure magic.

Virtually impossible to find in its original pressing, this reissue — made possible through collaboration with Now-Again Records — brings a lost classic back to life for crate-diggers, collectors, and funk heads alike.

Side A
1. You Got Action, You Got Me
2. Lil’s Place
3. Put A Smile On Time
4. Thought My Love Was Fine

Side B
1. Brenda And Me
2. Everybody’s Chippin
3. You Make Me Feel Right, Think Right, Do Right
4. Can’t Do Without You