The Magic City are an emerging rock quartet from Boston, Massachusetts who comprise of Adam Anderson (lead guitar, vocals), David Jackel (vocals, guitar, synth), Ken Marcou (acoustic and electric drums), and Mike Quinn (vocals, bass). They release their self-titled debut album this month which explores themes of spiritual liberation, rejuvenation, and rebirth, and showcases sounds that run from the gritty to the glittery, where the band’s sterling sonic cocktail of Britpop, glam, post-punk, power-pop, art-rock, and indie stirs with the all the aural ghosts that came before it.
The album opens with `Ozma Is My Shadow` a guitar-driven, thumping number whose lyrical theme, I read is of how the soul transcends gender. A strange title but as Princess Ozma is the immortal, benevolent, and rightful ruler of the Land of Oz in The Wizard of Oz maybe it refers to that. There`s a really dreamy feel to `An Open Feast` which maybe about a communal dining event or simply a metaphor for returning to a more straightforward inclusive concept of society.
`A Series of Chemicals` is a song about the chemistry that binds us, with Mike Quinn taking over vocal duties, a melodic power pop earworm of a track. I read that ‘New Eyes’ deals with the impulse to retreat into cultural assimilation during menacing times. A rolling reflective slow burn that becomes more forceful as it evolves.
`Don’t Forget Me When She’s Gone` has a real swagger about it and the vocal delivery reminded me of Brett Anderson`s emotive and swooping inflections. We have nigh on distanced further reflection on `One Trick` which appears to describe someone with a single defining talent or a gimmick that gets old quickly.
`I Love Lucy` has a strange absorbed almost philosophical vibe and may be about being there for someone who you feel is going to fail. A composition that has a brief spoken word segment and some really interesting guitar chords and accompanying percussion. The wonderfully titled `Roadrunner Vs Your Mother` has a kind of Britpop, glam rock, art rock stut and stride about it, not arrogant but self-assured.
`Airtight Alibi` is a mid-tempo contemplative musing while the album closes out with `Lost at Sea` which I felt had an energy that hinted at a mix of Pulp meets Suede.
The Magic City`s debut album was a really appealing listen and although there were some British indie influences, it had a real style and swagger of its own. The band have shared that they have got songs for several more albums in the tank and the next album should be different. They`re working on new demos that explore other genres like cabaret, 1960s orchestral pop, 1980s electronica, surf rock, so it`ll be fascinating to see what transpires.
Rating 8.5/10
