Rarely has a band with so little output attracted so much attention. - LA Times

As the LA Times allude above, Magic Kids are a young band; they're only in their early twenties but have already courted a lot of attention. Not without reason. Their sound borrows from great pop with nods to Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks, Jeff Lyne and even the classic Motown girl-group sound. Whilst being inspired by these melodies, the band also learns from their craftsmanship; taking the time and effort to turn a simple song in to a wide-eyed moment of epic and radiant baroque-pop.

All the members grew up around the garage rock scene, which saw them bond with the likes of local hero Jay Reatard (RIP) and Cheap Time as well as share the stage with Girls, Harlem and The Smith Westerns. However, where Magic Kids differ is how they have found a way to look past the more nihilistic side of their immediate surroundings, instead honing in on the more positive and celebratory aspects of the city and music they love. Their debut album is even called 'Memphis' as a throwdown and achieves an ambition by them to re-frame the city away from musical eras long-gone.



Recorded at Doug Easley's studio by Shane Stoneback (Vampire Weekend, Sleigh Bells), Memphis is defiantly contemporary and packs a seriously powerful punch. Last years single 'Hey Boy' demonstrates their near perfect update on the late-60s California sound, whereas 'Superball' hits like a sugar high at a funfair and album closer 'Cry With Me Baby' throws doo-wop forward fifty years. It's all done in just half an hour - a perfect and succinct blast of summer.

1.    Phone
2.    Candy
3.    Superball
4.    Hideout
5.    Summer
6.    Hey Boy
7.    Good To Be
8.    Skateland
9.    Sailin
10.    Little Red Radio
11.    Cry With Me Baby