After the roaring success of their 2018 debut album, Brighton natives Jack Kaye, Angus Taylor, Kristian Smith and Paeris Giles have returned with a brand new genre bending collection of songs under the title: Death of the Party.
With influences hailing from all over, the album opens with explosive track ‘Think’ which, very obviously takes inspiration from 70’s Northern Soul (think The Four Seasons). ‘Make a Sound’ is the first of two accounts of the same house party, this one hailing from front man Jack Kaye. Lyrically thoughtful & featuring a bedroom pop esque guitar line, visions of a carefree yet short lived evening are created.
The Magic Gang go back to their roots on ‘Just a Minute‘, once again writing about the anxieties being in a relationship brings with it except this time with a more realistic representation than that of their debut.
What Have You Got To Lose? Is my personal favourite on this album, with its pulsating bassline – reminiscent of Joy Division, it’s from this point that the album very suddenly delves into darker subject matter. Lyrics ‘Wasting a whole week a way’ are broken up by jarring guitar riffs and make mention of drug treatment for mental health issues.
Title track ‘Death of the Party’ is the second account of a house party, this time by guitarist Kristian Smith. His retelling is that of a more defeatist approach, with his cowboy persona described as the ultimate party-pooper. The song encapsulates the feeling amongst the band members that their cheery youthful years are practically coming to an end.
This sombre attitude doesn’t stay for long, with the band leaping back into action on ‘Take Back The Track’ which sounds like it has been taken from their earlier bodies of work with its happy go lucky upbeat tune, aided by a Nile Rodger’s inspired guitar tone. It’s clear to see why this track was released as a lead single to advertise the album’s release.
‘I Am Sunshine’ has a tinny opening and resolves into a dizzyingly busy second half. This track is the only real fault on an otherwise stunning album.
‘Gonna Bounce Back’ is reminiscent of 80’s new wave, it tells the story of a disheartened but not deterred young artist- perhaps a thinly-veiled metaphor for bandmembers’ struggle for the limelight.
Although a little monotonous in parts, ‘Fail Better’ represents what The Magic Gang do best – easy listening indie rock. ‘The World (Outside My Door)’ is the last track from the main section of the album, which initially speaks of limitless horizons. For a track whose title appears optimistic, the slightly ominous undertone deteriorates into a downright threatening racket which comes to an abrupt end.
The album also features three bonus tracks. The first being ‘Go Moving’, in which the group make a return to their punch pop form. ‘Make Time For Change’ is undoubtedly a track designed to bop your head to as a vibrant bass sound carries the song. Finally, ‘Out of Mind’ features delicate guitar and piano pairing which draws it effortlessly to a close.
The Magic Gang are on tour across the UK and Ireland next March. You can find tickets and stream ‘Death of the Party here:
Album (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/album/6Y1TYw4PUhsg7TtDIKRoAq?si=txTHL75ZRIm93apdPu-Bzw
Album (Apple Music): Death of the Party (Bonus Track Version) by The Magic Gang https://music.apple.com/gb/album/death-of-the-party-bonus-track-version/1509063826