Utterly infectious, stupendously melodious, spine tinglingly harmonious, ‘Forever Lost’, the debut single from The Magic Numbers points the way back to how pop should be; it suggests a format that we have only ever dreamed of, it portrays a genre in it’s most pure, innocent form, in a way that it may have been in the days before it was bastardised by the likes of Take That, Boyzone and Steps. This record swoons effortlessly into gear, impulsive and urgent whilst retaining an unparalleled aura of lazy, mellow, saccharine sophistication.

There has been a growing surge attached to this band since their limited 7” release ‘Hymn for Her’ late last year, and their semi-legendary residency at The Borderline in London just prior to Christmas. The ground swell started with people asking about them, spotting the odd t-shirt at gigs and has steadily grown into what is becoming ‘hotly anticipated’ territory, and ‘Forever Lost’ certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Thrusting acoustic strums do battle with chiming electric guitar lines at the same time as vocal and synth melodies compliment and contrast in equal measures. It’s all held together with a hotly pursuing rhythm section combining delicate yet authoritarian drumming and high end bass strategies last seen when Peter Hook was slinging his bass around with New Order.

The Magic Numbers appear to, with as little effort as is required, cover any number of styles and genres – I will not use the word ‘eclectic’ – but with each pursuant listen this record draws not just from numerous styles, but also from a whole litany of decades of music. That’s not to say it’s a jumbled cacophony, it just seems to incorporate all that is good about the history of popular music. And that cannot be a bad thing, surely?

The Magic Numbers can be seen on tour in May, dates here.

...And you can view the video for ‘Forever Lost’ simply by clicking here for high speed connections, or here for low speed connections - you will need real player, but trust me, it's worth it.

Words by Johnny Mac
 

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