Having already enjoyed the music of dEUS, I was excited to listen to Magnus, Tom Barman's side project with CJ Bolland, taking similar jazz and prog influences but with a greater element of electronica thrown into the mix. And I was not disappointed. Their performance at Les Ardentes was a riveting, vitriolic affair that was thoroughly entertaining. The pair performed an eclectic set that encapsulated a broad spectrum of influences, from funk to punk, bringing party vibes to the crowd. 'Summer's Here' was a real highlight, slowly building its groove with a driving baseline before climaxing with a ridiculously tasty saxophone solo. Their new release, 'Where neon Goes to Die' sounds immediately exciting and will hopefully bring a wave of fresh tours for Magnus. 'Frrench Movies' was another banger of a track, with swirling synths and a marching guitar riff creating a sound that was electrifying psychedelia making my head nod incessantly, pursing my lips as if savouring a tautness of sound. 'Singing Man' is the single of their new album, 'Where Neon Goes to Die' which is heavy electronica, reminiscent of Hot Chip with a darker krautrock vibe. Magnus are a super fun electro duo and well worth checking out, offering fist-pumping, head-bumping tunes with an energetic liver performance.
Steve Lacy
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