Rating: 
When the rumor mill put Sam Fogarino of Interpol with Adam Franklin of Swervedriver together, no knew exactly what to expect from the duo. Both men have achieved varying levels of success, but could they put it altogether? Simply put, the answer is an absolute yes! Here it is ladies and gents, Magnetic Morning.
Immediately the band opens with “Spring Unseen,” a gentle number where vocal harmonies seem to burst into the song like flowers in the Spring. Franklin’s trademark voice sounds incredibly familiar, yet he seems to have grown with it as time has passed. Here the band sets up to the stage for the entire album, allowing all space to be filled sonically with ambient washes of guitar. It’s a tactic that will remain prevalent throughout your listening experience to this album.
Oddly, the music seems both dated and refreshing. There isn’t a lot out there right now in the realm of dramatic pop soundscapes, at least not a whole lot that will move you. Despite the fact that it seems like a missing step-child in the world of indie-rock, it still comes out as remarkably fresh. Every minute of the album is worth steeping yourself inside, as you wait carefully, quietly even, for the song to unfold before you. This entire album will aimlessly float through your brain as the melodies become a part of you.
Looking at the song titles alone will show you precisely what the album is about, conceptually speaking. It seems to be that Mr. Franklin is continuing to search for the answers, as we all inevitably are. He approaches the subject matter with a perfect simplicity, one that will surely allow listeners to associate with his words. Not to mention, a few songs seemingly deal with loss, of a friend or loved one you will have to find out.
Ultimately, this is an album that affects your mood, regardless of where you find yourself in the day. It’s a somber affair, forcing, or asking rather, that listeners take a minute, or twenty, out of their day to let these songs invest themselves in your soul. In the end, you’ll be glad you found the time to sink quietly into this wonderful album.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/05-no-direction.mp3]
Download: Magnetic Morning – No Direction [MP3]
Everything old is new again, so it seems Adam Franklin and Swervedriver are going to reissue their heralded 99th Dream this January. But, for all intents and purposes, reissues are a dime a dozen these days, so I’m more excited that Adam has announced a new Bolts of Melody LP. This go round, he’s teamed up with the usual suspects, aimed at scoring a film, so to speak, and letting the tracks come to life on their own. The first single from Film Noir is this beautiful dreamland, creating this cavernous sound where atmosphere rains down from the speakers, the lyrics almost coming across like softly hummed mantra. This is a beautiful place to begin your day. Outer Battery Records will release both the new Bolts LP and the Swervedriver reissue on January 24th.