Starting with an odd, distorted chant (“Bashmuuu”), Magic Wands‘ newest album, Abrakadabra, is both meditative and exciting. The sudden burst of “Nocturnal” (one of the best shoegaze tracks of 2018) is like a stage magician throwing down a small flash bomb onstage. Synths move like dancing handkerchiefs and singer / guitarist Dexy Valentine (whose name WordPress keeps wanting to autocorrect to “Sexy Valentine,” by the way) sings, “I’m invincible when I’m with you.” Well, sign me up for any required heroics, Mrs. Valentine.
The jangly guitars of “Houdini” by Dexy and Chris Valentine bounce all around the room, and the guitars on “DNA” come at you from multiple directions. Don’t miss Tommy Alexander’s bass on it because it’s so smooth it might slide right by you if you’re not careful. “Realms” almost lures you into a dream, and “Loveline” is wonderful dream pop. The band refers to their sound as “lovewave,” and that description is apt on this track (and the whole record, really). “New Device” brings back the shoegaze, and “Chains and Fur” belongs on your boudoir playlist. I love how both Chris and Dexy Valentine layer their vocals over one another on the track.
That “double vocal” effect is just as good, if not better, on “Diamond Road,” which begs to be played in a convertible driving across the U.S. on a lonely night. Drummer Pablo Amador puts down some wicked beats on “Julie Ann Gray” as Dexy Valentine’s vocals are slightly muted yet covered in reverb. It’s like a lost Dum Dum Girls track. “Big Life” is a lovely close to a lovely record…unless you get the digital download that comes with the bonus track “Puzzle of Love.” It’s worth it. The guitars are bold and bright and the beats are playful.
As I mentioned above, Abrakadabra is a lovely record. “Lovewave” might be your new favorite thing after hearing this.
Keep your mind open.
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