Magical Beasts release new EP Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching, finding warmth and beauty amongst a slow and steady pace.
If there are two things that Magical Beasts can write about, it’s love and devotion. New EP Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching focuses on these topics heavily throughout, and couple this with a gentle pace that makes you feel as though you’re sauntering through a warm, summer garden. When this is all pulled together with interesting vocal constructs and tight musicianship, you find a band settled in their sound and at the top of their game.
Come Find Me starts off slow and steady, setting up the record perfectly with gentle acoustic guitar and heavenly harmonies for a folk-laden opener. The serene atmosphere gently builds as sliding guitars fade in and out and sullen vocals help move the track forward. The slow pace allows the track to breathe and really get beneath your skin and calm your very soul. 7 Nights follows in the same vein, but with more focus on the lyrics, melodies and sultry sound. This is all expertly tied together by instrumental sections that create an energetic outlet for the steady atmosphere and loving lyrics that never outstay their welcome: I’ve saved your letters in a box, miss your kisses… deep inside my heart”.
As the EP progresses, the tracks not only feel warmer and more humble but also have a distinct theme of sexuality. Darling couldn’t be more about love if it tried, giving your whole soul a cleanse and making you wish for that special closeness with someone. Although it could be said to be treading well-worn ground, it never feels dated due to the, once again, beautiful harmonies and gentle but intricate use of instruments that gently build the track. In Praise takes the slow and sultry to another level, stripping back the sound even more with the lyrics taking centre stage, whereas Little Buds manages to up the pace for the first time with a rolling drumbeat and a more bluegrass sound that’s tied together by some fine Ukulele that builds on the foot-tapping pace and structure.
The record ends with Farthest Shore, once again slowing things down to a glacial pace, but managing to still find those rhythms and rhymes that keep it interesting. With some beautiful background warblings giving off an ethereal feel, it makes you want to sit down with a warm drink and hug those nearest and dearest to you.
Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching is a wonderful EP. It finds comfort in its own mellowness, but still finds time to up the energy in pockets and get its point across where necessary. The strength is in its subtly, great musicianship, and vocals that know-how, and when, to interact with each other in a meaningful way. Magical Beasts have created a well-produced and expertly delivered EP here that deserves to be listened to.
Score: 4/5
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