Magnus - 'The Body Gave You Everything' (Anti)
3/5
By: Clara Burtenshaw
At the very least, an inspired coalition, Magnus comprises Tom Barman of dEUS and techno prophet CJ Bollard, a key figure in the niche's prevalent, international scene.
And 'The Body Gave You Everything' is the synthesis of these radically distinct musical backgrounds. However, the common clatter that both musicians sought by such an alliance seems to have been lost somewhere along the way, and what we have here is an album lacking cohesion, but proves an interesting experiment nonetheless.
'Rhythm Is Deified' is a track of pristine invention - the bearer of a ripple of cadence, swoosh of melody and sibilant cyborg vocals. Elsewhere, more of a human husk takes centre-stage, putting digital inventiveness second place, in complimentary role to vox, and showcasing the influence of Barman's gnarly rock roots.
In 'Jumpneedle', meanwhile, cardiovascular rhythms are placed along synths, sparse funk-house guitars and finger-licking gadget beeps and squelches, while an electro-minimalist direction is present in 'French Movies', which begins with a female vocals a la francais, but morphs into the type of tune that would not have been misplaced on an album from overlooked Belgian rockers Millionaire.
This constant tug-of-war between both genres is visible throughout, but works. Magnus, then: bridging the gap between electro egg-heads, techno trailblazers, and Andrew WK. Can't say we saw it coming.
Artists in this article: Magnus
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