Magic Wands – Switch (Album – Metropolis Records)
Genre/Influences: Dream-Pop, Shoegaze.
Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.
Background/Info: American formation Magic Wands has already been busy for a while. Based in Los Angeles the band is driven by Chris and Dexy Valentine. They released several albums on different labels and now joined hands together with Metropolis Records to unleash “Switch”.
Content: The album features 12 songs plus 5 remixes while the digital format has a bonus of 5 remixes. After an intro track we rapidly dive into the Dream-Pop and Shoegaze universe of the band. The guitar creates this magic, Shoegaze, spirit which has been carried by deep bass playing. The album is mixing pure reverie together with harder cuts. Shadow Mirrors remixed 3 songs while 2 other remixes have been accomplished by Stargods.
+ + + : This is a great work for its balance between Dream-Pop and Shoegaze music while the female vocals are often reminding me of Ladytron. It all together creates a sensual, dreamy, music travel. The previously released single “Time” remains one of the master tracks and also is one of the hardest cuts from the album. Other attention grabbers are “Dream ‘92” achieved with delicate sound treatments and electronic arrangements. “Joy” is a perfect title for a cool Dream-Pop experience reinforced by shoegaze guitar parts.
– – – : There’s only one cut going over the 4 minutes. Short cuts are perfect to me but I regret some of the best cuts aren’t a tiny bit more extended.
Conclusion: Magic Wands confirm their great potential while getting signed to Metropolis will probably bring new fans to the band. This is good-old, dark, Dream-Pop music.
Best songs: “Time”, “Dream 92”, “Joy”, “Falling Trees”, “Daylight”.
Rate: 8.
Artist: www.magicwandsband.com / www.facebook.com/themagicwands
Label: www.metropolis-records.com / www.facebook.com/MetropolisRecords
About Magic Wands
Magic Wands is a dream-pop duo formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2008 by Dexy Valentine (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Chris Valentine (guitar, vocals), later relocating to Los Angeles. The band’s sound blends dream-pop, shoegaze, post-punk and gothic influences, built on textured guitars, synthesiser arrangements and ethereal vocals. Magic Wands released its debut album, “Aloha Moon”, in 2012, followed by “Jupiter” in 2016, “Abrakadabra” in 2018 and “Illuminate” in 2020. The album “Switch” followed in 2023, the band’s first release on Metropolis Records.
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