Coffee Appreciation

I picked up a bag of Red Brick on Sunday (I've not had it before), have to say that I'm pretty unimpressed so far. My machine/technique are both quite basic but I'm finding it quite bland. I've only made milk drinks so far and it seems to lack the punch to cut through the milk. Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?

Also I'm thinking about an upgrade for my little Gaggia Evolution, the idea of a manual machine is quite appealing at the moment. Does anyone have any experience with smaller lever machines? Any advice Dammit? From what I've read so far one of their drawbacks is the inability to pull successive shots without over heating but this won't affect me as I rarely make more than1 cup.

Thanks

Are you making an espresso with the Gaggia? How much are you putting in the basket? How long is it taking to come through?