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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]
There’s tons of events going on in town this weekend, but we wanted to point you in the direction of this secret little gem that might not have gotten your attention otherwise. Curtin is a two-piece who craft this sparse folk-influenced rock; some of their songs lean more in the direction of experimenting within the genre, while other tracks offer up more traditional fare. The group is touring to promote their album, One for the Doghearted. But, just because you can’t have a show without great locals, be sure to get there early, as the line-up includes two of our favorite friends, The Midgetmen and Ram (formerly of Whitman). Sample the tune below to get a feel of what to expect.
