Time for something refreshingly unconfined by genre. A project even quite difficult to pigeon-hole or place amidst a single style – just creatively pure, enjoyable, evocative music.
MAGIC MONDAY introduce their brand new EP with the title-track CROSSROADS, and we follow a soulful and breathy vocal lead, through neo-jazz kissed expressions that feel both colourful and fireside-like in their intimacy and charm.
An interesting band always appeal, and MAGIC MONDAY effectively blend quirkiness and skill throughout the eclectic tracks of CROSSROADS.
Stay follows and proves enchanting and distinct, a strong sense of riff, story and melody, with satisfying resolves. We’re somewhere amidst the likes of the xx with this one, only it’s not trip hop, but deeply human soul and contemplation, alt-folk and playful artistry. A brilliant song, dark and bright all at once, and a fascinating representation of what MAGIC MONDAY promise to deliver as a band.
All of these songs have a certain alternative edge to them, sometimes bluesy and nostalgic, sometimes calming but often unexpected, with darkness and light carefully balanced, and always a style and sound that holds closely to something recognisable as MAGIC MONDAY. Consider the cinematic sway of Reverb of the BANG, or the rhythmic bounce of 100 Dollars and the pure mystique and provocative nature of its lyrics.
The band’s leading voice is quickly unmistakable, and the horn sections, ambient and atmospheric, the space around these, the subtle rhythm from all angles – it’s all brilliantly grounded by artistic integrity and originality. The latter is hard to achieve these days without losing track of what an audience needs in order to connect, but MAGIC MONDAY get the chemistry just right, and this album is a breath of fresh air.
Atone is another highlight but Glückstagebuch afterwards, the first German language song, is stunning in contrast – a ballad of sorts, folk with power; wave-like melodies moving from delicate to intense then back again…
Download or stream Crossroads. Find Magic Monday on Instagram & Facebook or visit their Website.
