Out of Brighton, England comes a zealous, indie-tinged quartet called The Magic Gang. The group formed in 2013 as one of Brighton’s many purposeful, bright new bands. After signing with Warner Brothers Records in 2017, they broke out of the garage-band stereotype and have been on the rise ever since. In March of this year, they released their first full-length album after a series of three EPs, which were produced over the course of a few years. Through Beatles-inspired two-part harmonies and Weezer-esque guitar riffs, The Magic Gang illustrates their varying experiences with girls, especially stinging heartache, as well as the lovey-dovey aspect of relationships.

Reminiscent of the feel-good 60’s summer hits, many of the songs off of the 16-track album sing of hopeful love and optimism for the future of their relationships. To put it plainly, it’s about the relatable, sweet simplicity of affection. With songs named after girls, like “Oh, Saki”, “Caroline”, and “Jasmine”, the theme of unrelenting devotion persists throughout the album. “I just wanna know that you will be in my arms,” croons singer Jack Kaye on the tenth track, “How Can I Compete”, displaying his longing for his lover. The listener can feel the pure, sincere love flowing from their lyrics throughout almost all of their songs, even in the face of a breakup or a rough patch.

Along with the ups, their album also covers the hard times in relationships. Tracks like “All This Way”, “Getting Along”, “Take Care”, and “Slippin’” perfectly express the melancholy of a breakup, something almost everyone can relate to. Some of these songs mask the gloomy lyrics with a more upbeat sound, creating a bittersweet yet impeccable balance of the two contrasting emotions. From the eighth song, titled “Getting Along”, the lyrics “If I can concentrate, if I can just forget her/in the time it takes to think about forever,” flawlessly encapsulate the moody vibe of a lost love in such a simple yet truly heartfelt way, while being backed by a supercharged guitar.

No matter the tone or meaning of the song, the Magic Gang released an album full of tracks that you’ll instinctively belt at the top of your lungs. Whether you have never heard of the Magic Gang or are a returning fan, the universal experiences of love and heartbreak that the band sings about feel relatable and comforting. Overall, the Magic Gang created a captivating and endearing album that, no matter how you are feeling, whether it be in a relationship, single, or somewhere in between, any person can connect with and fall in love with.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

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