Piano Magic
Dark Horses

This record left our Ant feeling happy.

Piano Magic have an EP out on Make Mine Music. 'Dark Horses' has a vocal somewhere between Jim Morrison and Ian Curtis. In fact when I heard this yesterday I was reminded of Joy Division at several points throughout the album but not in a cheap rip off way but in that you can hear the inspiration but they still have their sound unlike many bands that simply ape that sound. The mood throughout is dark and somber with deeply atmospheric guitars. It doesn't sound like it was recorded now but could almost have come out in the late 80's. A refreshing departure for the label too. Good stuff.

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What their label says...

Their music has run the gauntlet between electronica, post-rock, baroque, modern classical and even glitch, though in recent years Piano Magic has settled on a unique, romantic, classic British alternative rock that echoes the most vibrant work of their prime inspirations. 'Dark Horses,' the latest in their now annual 4-track EP transmissions, nods, consciously or otherwise, to the likes of Joy Division, The Smiths and The Chameleons, whilst managing to sound indisputably like Piano Magic.  These songs are built on pummelled drums, chainsaw guitars, cathedral reverbs, insistent bass and Glen Johnson's reliably Morrissey-esque observations on a life less sweet.  'Dark Horses' is Piano Magic's first record for the exceptional independent, Make Mine Music.  The label is exclusively financed and maintained by its bands and therefore, the proceeds of each record sold go immediately back to those who made the music.Despite operating almost entirely beneath the radar in their native UK, since their first release back in 1996, Piano Magic have managed to successfully carve out a niche of their own that constantly defies expectation and sidesteps music industry convention.  By never staying long on any one label, playing most of their concerts abroad and consistently redefining their sound, the band has not only survived against all odds but built up a solid, devout worldwide fanbase.  Their 12 long players and 18 other format releases have featured collaborations with Vasti Bunyan, Low, Tarwater, Hefner and Cornershop, amongst others.  They've soundtracked a film by Spanish director, Bigas Luna, signed on and off with 4AD, Morr Music, Important Records, toured in Russia, Poland, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and England.  Even so, Piano Magic remain, unashamedly, a "cult phenomena,"  not destined for recognition until perhaps a decade after they finally call in the ghost. When not fronting Piano Magic, Glen Johnson operates as Textile Ranch - his new long-player, a collaboration with Victorian music machinist, Plinth - is out this month (also on Make Mine Music).  Piano Magic play The Hope, Brighton on Oct 25 and The Luminaire, London on Nov 22nd with label-mates, July Skies

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