Out May 10 on Secretly Canadian, Here We Go Magic returns with The January E.P. and a subsequent tour that takes the New York outfit across the U.S. and Canada. Musically, this 5-song E.P. takes the group into the next logical chapter following the 2009 self-titled release on Western Vinyl Records; an aural experience that lures the ears to new, mystical lands, sans the cliché unicorns and rainbows.
The warmth of their recording set up, which involved analog tape in a “band-built living room studio” comes through from the first note.
Luke Temple’s lead vocals are more than an element leading the song down its given path, a reputation built by the visual artist when he started off solo. His octaves lift the listener to new heights, were the oxygen is thinner and the skies more bright. The lilt and cascades are as fitting in a concert hall with ornate, vintage fixtures as it will be in the dark and dank depths of the many clubs Here We Go Magic will be playing on its tour.
“Hands in the Sky” moves to the beat of a million fireflies on a balmy summer night, calmly skittering to and fro in a frenetic dance. And with “A Song In Three,” the grandiose rhythms and melodies feel as though the song was produced with Guy Garvey after he’s had a drink called “Grounds for Divorce.” Kodus to the actual producer, Jen Turner.
And with a retro “Reality Bites” beat and bassline, “Backwards Time” is prime for a Kids of 88 or Chain Gang of 1974 remix to take it even deeper into the dancefloor, a destination that was probably not intentional but has the potential all the same.
“Hollywood” is just plain creepy, but in a way that makes you lean in further versus writhing away in fear. It would be a perfect complement to a tour of Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Halloween.
Joining Here We Go Magic on the band’s current tour, which starts today, are AurorA and Cavemen.
Here We Go Magic – Hands in the Sky
Tour Dates:
05.02.11 – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Shop $
05.04.11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge $
05.05.11 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge $
05.06.11 – Lawrence, KS – Jackpot Saloon
05.07.11 – St. Louis, MO – Firebird $
05.09.11 – Chicaco, IL – Schuba’s $
05.10.11 – Pontiac, MI – The Pike Room at Crofoot $
05.11.11 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern $
05.12.11 – Montréal, QC – Club Lambi $
05.13.11 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Lounge
05.14.11 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
05.16.11 – Washington DC – Red Palace *
05.17.11 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 *
05.18.11 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl *
05.19.11 – Nashville, TN – The Basement *
05.20.11 – Pensacola, FL – Handlebar *
05.21.11 – New Orleans, LA – The Den at the Howlin’ Wolf *
05.23.11 – Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s Downstairs *
05.24.11 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada *
05.25.11 – Austin, TX The Parish *
06.24.11 – Cambridge, MA – T.T. the Bear’s
$ w/AurorA
* w/Caveman
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