In April 1983 Machinations released their debut album, "Esteem", which peaked at No. 54 on the Kent Music Report albums chart. It was produced by Russell Dunlop. "Woroni" found that their live show is "tightly paced clever pop music" and that "it's gratifying to see that that punch has found its way on" the "very satisfying and worthwhile album". "Jumping the Gap" was released in October 1983. Dempsey declared that lead singer "Loneragan gives a high-powered performance which is probably rivalled only by Midnight Oil's Peter Garrett". Henry Downes provided percussion at live shows with the band and created the artwork for "Jumping the Gap".