The Magnificents perfectly incorporate electronic sound into the rich tapestry of their chaotic and inspired songs, seeming to find and walk that fine line where the synthetic meets the synergetic. I have a real problem with bands that use artificial noise (I won't call it music) to fill in what they affectionally call songs. In a majority of the cases these contrived sound effects deter from the whole and only fail in the attempt to cover poorly written material. This is not the case with The Magnificents on this album.
One can't help but compare them with Devo, who helped bring electronic sound into the mainstream, but comparing them any further than some similarities of sound would limit the true genius that is present on this record. The use of artificial and analog is beautifuly accomplished, with no specific bias over one or the other, rather a strategic blend focusing on the necessity of the moment. That, specifically, is one thing I am a sucker for: bands that know how to sacrifice individual sound for the whole, The guitar work is so minor on "M.I.A." that it is almost non-existent, yet it's interplay in the background lends a new kind of level to the song. Sometimes, it's not what you play, it's what you don't play, and because of that The Magnificents have earned a lot of respect in my book.
The drumming on this album earns even more respect, though. Like I stated above, it has its moments of sacrifice for the whole, but when it is necessary, it just blows everything else away. It is subtle and understated, but at the same time it is direct and driving, and it moves me to a type of existence I don't honestly get too often. "Last Gasp Of Revenge" and "Blueprint" simply raise the bar and further the feeling of fusion between electronic and analog.
The highest achievement of the album is the pure sense established and maintained throughout. It does harken back to the 1980s with the beginnings of this type of sound, but pushes the envelope to create something new and enjoyable. The songs are solid and catchy, and very distinct, with just the correct amount of drive to keep me interested and wanting more. It is very rare to get a band that is deep rooted in the past but so far ahead of its time that it is unmappable.
Buy this album, you won't regret it. - Hybrid Music |
