I'm going to dissect the 6th track "Black Magic" now from the album "Aloha Moon". Although 2 years old already, this song is always on repeat for at least five plays every time I hear it.
The Magic Wands are Chris Valentine: vocals and guitar, Dexy Valentine: vocals, guitar and keys, Charlie Woodburn: drums, and Vega Schenk: bass and keys.
To start off, this song just puts you into such a good mood. Even on a bit of a high! It starts with sly notes being plucked on the guitar and Dexy's voice echoing and howling all around you. The sound out of the guitar that comes next is so captivating. Lots of distortion and it sounds like as if one of the knobs on the guitar was turned all the way down to where the picking on the guitar strings are almost unnoticeable. Very trippy. During the verses, it's just Dexy, keys, bass, and a rocking moving beat on the drums. Her smooth voice just glides along the music. One can't help but sing along "Black magic, bla-a-a-ack". After each chorus, that very psychedelic guitar plays and put's you back into such a musical high. This song ends in a bit of a solo with some sweet high notes swaying and bending this way and that to continue the psychedelic vibe all through to the end. The song finishes with the echoing and floating vocals from the beginning again, and it leaves you wanting more!
Such a powerful song exhibited in it's instruments, and the lyrics are no different ! Although quite perplexed at it's meaning, it still grabs my attention.
This song, I should mention, is just a sneak peek to all the other great music this band has to offer. Totally worth your time and the purchase! I sure hope to meet this great, innovative band soon and tell them "thank you" for this new, original music.
-Cerpin Taxt