Magic Man

Magic Man is too good to be true. I found this band after clicking the ‘electronica‘ tag on bandcamp, that’s all. Since then, I’ve seen them listed on countless blogs and websites as having the best free album of 2010, so you don’t have to take my word for it, but indulge me.

Magic Man reminds me a little of The Postal Service, perhaps because I know that both bands are the work of a producer and singer/songwriter duo, and perhaps because American nerdy guys all sing the same (jokes), though it’s more likely the way they utilise beautiful synth swells and wonderfully intense drum patterns. But while TPS tend towards a mellow, spacious sound, Magic Man are in the business of making ‘relentless joy’.

Their album is called Real Life Color and, you know what, there is no better name for it. At the heart of this record is a sense of warmth and actual, tangible excitment, which you can’t help but become infected by.  They mix vintage sounds and wacky vocal processing, traditional song structures and charming instrumental breaks, some pounding drum beats and skittish synth solos, and it all comes together to create a delightfully cohesive sound which exceeds your best expectations.

Get it free! from bandcamp, or via the arcade sound website, and check out their myspace and last.fm pages too.