The Magic Es - We Are Magic

The Magic Es

We Are Magic
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

​By Mike Pryzgoda
​

We Are Magic is the debut EP from The Magic Es and is a fantastic collection of smart songwriting, excellent performances and amazing production.

Blending lots of Brit-pop and psychedelic influences, We Are Magic is immaculately recorded and mixed with each crisp attack or splash of the hi-hat present but never overwhelming; the bass full and thick and trading off between leading and following; and the guitars each finding their place in the EQ sphere.  The sound is what every band dreams is going through the soundboard with each subtle element balanced in.

The EP leads off with “Headrush,” a Paul Weller/Jam-ish track based off of a melodic guitar line against a drone. After a slow burn against a metronomic click, the drums and guitars explode into a huge sound moving the track into full power pop mode. Later on there are psychedelic Beatles-y call and response vocals, which is a nice touch.

“Running Through” is lead by a telegraphic hi-hat motif and melodic bass line a la Walk On The Wild Side.  Swirling guitars add to the anthemic quality and occasionally break out into Stones-ish riffs. There is a smart variation in the outro with the piano pounding out the bass notes against a chiming guitar line.

“Melody Jane” is a dance-y Franz Ferdinand/New York Dolls song with sixteenth notes on the hi-hat and chugging guitars. There is an interesting instrumental break towards the middle that features some great bass parts.

The EP closes with “Cellar Door,” which is driven by acoustic guitar, psychedelic synth squeaks and a funky bass motif. Thick swirls of My Bloody Valentine-ish guitars, evolve into bluesy Champagne Supernova-ish guitar fills towards the end of the trippy song before breaking down to the synth squeaks and Beatles-y “magic” piano.

Some of the songs could be tightened up a bit and some edits might give a bit more direction at times, but there’s no denying that there are some very interesting textures throughout that make for a truly magical journey.

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