Founded in Champaign in 2003 by vocalist, bassist and keyboardist Pranay Patel, the band went through several lineup changes before solidifying around guitarists Francis (just Francis) and Josh Kalvelage and drummer Matt Meyer. The group has just released its second indie album, an ambitious, five-part, 25-track epic entitled "The Way the World Works Vol.1-5," and it's celebrating with a gig at the Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake, at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 24.
For more info and to sample the band's serpentine but propulsive sounds, visit www.machinesthatthink.com or www.myspace.com/machinesthatthink.