I'm not sure if they would like the comparison, but the Magic Numbers remind me of a modern day Mamas and the Papas. With obvious differences, of course, including talent, melodies and I'm pretty sure The Magic Numbers would never lip-sync.
The quartet from London consists of two brother/sister duo's - Romeo and Michele Stodart (originally from Trinidad) and Sean and Angela Gannon (London natives). Their sound is rainy-day music with a folk/pop twist done the right way, with shambling indie tracks and jangly guitars and the unique combo of banjo, piano, percussion and Melodica plus three different harmonized vocals from Romeo, Michele and Angela.
Their quirky (and meaningful) music and unconventional looks has made the Numbers' popularity soar in the last few months and their self-titled debut is easily one of the best albums of 2005. But don't just take my word for it, NME has said of the band, "2 boys and 2 girls have created a 4-piece band whose 3-part harmonies will blow your mind in 2005" and Mojo thinks the album "is destined to be remembered in 2005".
"You're in denial / You're in denial and I know", sings Romeo on the opening track "Mornings Eleven". It's a quirky, emotional song with a mesmerizing set of vocals throughout the whole song with a catchy chorus, and one of my favorite verses of any song - ("Mornings eleven / The feelings are severed / I can't feel anything at all/ But I would die for you / Oh I would die for you").
The country-tinged guitars on "Long Legs" brings life to a song that would probably otherwise not be nearly as interesting to listen to.
The six-minute subdued "I See You, You See Me" is another heartbreaker that is capable of exposing anyone's heart.
Article comments
1 - Matt
This has been syndicated to Advance.net, a site affiliated with about 10 newspapers around the country.
Also please let your contact know, if you had one, that this article is published at another place.
Thank you.
Matt Freelove