As fall approaches, the light, summery vibe that Magic Kids’ “Memphis” brings is a welcome sound for fans of pop music, who will not be disappointed by the band’s debut full-length album. Seemingly inspired by late-60s Southern California pop, the Memphis-based outfit’s album will draw in listeners who can see past sweet, simple lyrics to appreciate the complex, layered instrumentation and Brian Wilson-esque vocals.
The quintet is comprised of Bennett Foster (vocals, guitar), Will McElroy (keyboards), Ben Bauermeister (drums), Michael Peery (bass, vocals) and Alex Gates (guitar, vocals).
After entering the studio with engineer Shane Stoneback (Vampire Weekend, Sleigh Bells) in March to record “Memphis,” the band developed a sound it calls “unapologetically joyful, unrestrained and fearless.” With layers of oboes, strings, horns and synthesizers, the sound is as unabashedly bubbly as it gets.
Most songs are laced with lyrics examining young love and childhood crushes, all with hooks that stay with the listener long after the album ends. Opening track “Phone Song” launches into a joyful display of strings fading into a melody that complements the excitement of lyrics centering on young love. “Phone in my face as I’m lying awake in bed/ can’t wait to sleep so that I get to see you again/ wanna hold you so tight when I’m dreaming.”
Sugary sweet lyrics continue in “Candy,” with Foster’s smooth vocals setting the tone for a nostalgic song about past loves. “I don’t need a Polaroid to see that evening/ the way I smiled back at you/ there’s no candy sweeter than my baby.”
As the quintet picks up the pace in “Superball,” the theme of young love and devotion remains. While the sweetly over-the-top lyrics continue throughout the album, looking past these seemingly simple stories is not difficult to do, as carefully crafted instrumentation and carefree lyrics combine to create a victory for the Magic Kids.
To learn more about Magic Kids, visit www.myspace.com/magickids or see them live at The Vera Project in Seattle for an all-ages show on Sept. 9.
