The uniquely immersive corner of creativity that is Love the Magician – an act driven by a desire to intertwine radical storytelling and artistic freedom – approaches the highly-anticipated release of a 25 Year Anniversary Edition, self-titled debut.
Having first crossed our path with two iconic and varied singles, Love the Magician has since carved out a thoughtful pathway, built of a fine fusion of work ethic and passion. The singles culminate in the launch of the album in April, and the project is set to underline the electronic one-man-band extraordinaire that is the new-age reggae rock artist behind it all.
We begin with an Intimate Welcome, dreamy synths and retro rhythms lighting up an instrumental and melodic journey that naturally sets a feel-good vibe. While there’s plenty of conceptual depth and even darkness to follow, this introduction highlights the musical playfulness of Love the Magician, and makes for an enchanting and enjoyable beginning.
Soon enough, we move into the more topically provocative Apathy On Trial. The yesteryear gamer tones take the lead again, the reggae rhythm falling into view, and then we get fragments of monotone voice – boldly contemplating and inciting certain methods of thought that linger after listening.
This is the kind of intrigue and intention set by the single Breeding, and it’s utilised throughout the album, though never in an unsettling or overwhelming fashion – the music always counters the weight, with a certain melodic and stylistic lightness.
For The Earth, atmospheric details and new instrumental leads set a deeply immersive, mellow and emotional aura, with tribal rhythms and completely unexpected twists and turns, as the soundscape rolls through almost 12 minutes of purposeful exploration. For The Atmosphere, a smooth array of synths fill the space for a calming sense of stillness and rightfully atmospheric warmth – another extensive track, unexpectedly shifting throughout but ultimately still immersive and comforting by nature.
Other highlights from the album include the groovy mystique and colourful flair of In The Jungle, and the mighty LAND AND OCEAN – an easily recognisable, fully-loaded production, which effectively takes the listener to some new setting and scene. A rather epic composition, rising to near-euphoric as the layers and overall energy gather clear momentum.
December’s single RESISTANCE is another worth knowing about – a simple bass and beat combo, a reggae rhythm, a meandering acoustic guitar performance of fingerstyle optimism and passion. This track is beautifully uplifting, and incredibly distinct and striking as a go-to for inspiration or an uplifting sense of possibility.
Love the Magician plays keyboard, acoustic guitar, and percussion, throughout this electro-acoustic project of free-flowing yet often heavily conceptual wonder. The album has been a lifetime in the making, and its timeless tones and careful balancing of playfulness and power speaks volumes on behalf of that.
Find Love the Magician on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp.
