Rating: 
The six songs on The January EP are leftovers from the band’s session for Pigeons, and while leftovers might seem like a bad thing for fans of Here We Go Magic, there are definitely tracks on this offering that might outshine some of those featured on the full-length.
While you begin with the psychedelic leanings of “Tulip,” you’ll notice that there are definitely some more upbeat moments that lay in waiting for future Here We Go Magic releases. Luke’s voice still has that boyish quality to it, and while the song moves into a sprawling blend of harmonies before going back to the California-chug of guitars, you’ll begin to wish this had come mixed in with the latest LP. Similarly, “Backwards Time” has a more upbeat feel than some of the tracks that precede it, but this is where some fans will wish that the group went more often. It’s clear the drums are pushing the song, but Temple’s vocal delivery really does its best to grab the listener’s attention. Quite possibly this is one of the best songs these guys have written.
Don’t think that there isn’t a slow burner on this record. You know, the one’s where Here We Go Magic really work on composing floating pop galaxies where Luke’s voice can carry any note. They do precisely this with “Hands in the Sky,” and at times, you can almost feel yourself drifting away with the song, while electronic elements provide sounds from those old science videos on space. Listening closely, the percussive element of the group definitely holds the unit together, as the drumming serves as a tight metronome-like beat. And you can juxtapose that tight formality with the closing track “Mirror Me,” which has a murky feel to it, perhaps influence by programmed beats that mirror blown speakers. Hidden inside this track are some incredible moments, but this, like few of the other tracks on the January EP definitely feels like it was one meant to be left over.
Perhaps Pigeons needs a revisiting. If a handful of incredible songs were left laying around when Here We Go Magic wrapped up their recording, then that album’s got to be full of magnificent gems. You can tell with the January EP that it has thematic differences from its forefathers, so lets hope it indicates a continued bright future for the band. If at the very least, we can see a unit evolving into a tight-knit group of melodic songwriting that we’ll all enjoy for some time. So in the end, you’ll surely agree that this doesn’t taste like leftovers.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/02-Hands-in-the-Sky-1.mp3]
Download: Here We Go Magic – Hands in the Sky [MP3]
