The band were formed by Moore, McFarlane and bassist Ben Doherty who had previously played together in The Mirror Trap and continue to be represented by Dave McLean of Riverman Bangkok.
[1] The new band moved away from the indie rock sound of The Mirror Trap, embracing a queer, synth-pop aesthetic that was a clear departure when debuted at their first live performance in summer 2018 at Dundee's Conroy's Basement (now Rad Apples).
[3] Echo Machine said of their influences, "We definitely get our kicks from overblown 80s electro pop, from Depeche Mode to Duran Duran, OMD, the Pet Shop Boys, and Tears for Fears, but probably get equal joy from loud alternative rock like Pixies, QOTSA, Nirvana, Placebo, Idlewild and Mclusky.
Then add in the stuff that we love, but could never try to emulate, like Frank Ocean, Angel Olsen, Weyes Blood, Danny Brown and Kate Tempest.
[11] Following the departure of Ben Doherty, sisters Heather and Hannah McKay (ex-The Amorettes) joined the band on bass and drums respectively.