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The Magic Gang

The Magic Gang’s recent track ‘How Can I Compete’ saw the young Brighton quartet earn their biggest Radio 1 support to date as it was picked as Mistajam’s Hottest Record in the World and Huw Stephens’ Tune of the Week. ‘How Can I Compete’ was also the band’s first track for YALA! Records, which is the new label co-founded by Felix White of The Maccabees.

They have also released their debut ‘EP Three’, which was available digitally from March 24th , but will also be on 12” vinyl from April 28th. 

“Taking over the world one rumbling geek-rock anthem at a time.” – NME

Produced by Felix’s brother and bandmate Hugo, ‘How Can I Compete’ was described by DIY as “a true passing of the baton” between the two bands. The rest of ‘EP Three’ highlights the band’s mastery of mood-enhancing, Sixties-tinged songwriting which sparkles with youthful enthusiasm. Its aim is to represent both the fierceness of the band’s live show and their desire to move closer toward crafting the perfect pop gem.

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Opening track ‘Hotel Apathy’ simmers with guitar pop’s most endearing traits: sardonic and lovelorn lyrics, sweeping vocal harmonies and chiming guitars. Those vocal harmonies are richer and most intricate in the band’s first acoustic track ‘Life Without You’ – produced by vocalist/guitarist Kristian Smith – while ‘No One Else’ spins their melodic finesse through a track that’s equal parts Weezer, Pavement and The Beach Boys.

To coincide with ‘EP Three’, The Magic Gang have shared the brand new video for ‘How Can I Compete’. Directed by Rafe Jennings (Winner of Best Pop Video – Newcomer at the UKMVAs for Will Joseph Cook’s ‘Take Me Dancing’), the video was shot in and around their hometown of Brighton. Inspired by the video for The Clean’s largely undiscovered classic ‘Anything Could Happen’, it finds the boys enjoying some youthful hijinks in scenes which recall Supergrass circa ‘I Should Coco’ and The Monkees.

It may sound simple on paper, but the continued success of The Magic Gang is built on a pure and unadulterated premise: chasing down a really good pop song. It’s classic but also forward-thinking, with elements of Mac DeMarco and Sean Nicholas Savage also present in their summery compositions.

“They’ve become bonafide indie heroes.” – Dork

Completed by Jack Kaye (vocals/guitar), Gus Taylor (bass) and Paeris Giles (drums) – The Magic Gang have been living together in Brighton for the last few years. Their current home – a knackered four-floor paradise not too far from the sea – is the ideal foundation for forging the powerfully melodic, groove-based music they’ve become known for over the course of their previous two releases ‘The Magic Gang EP’ and ‘The Second EP From’.

Last year saw The Magic Gang sell-out London’s Scala. They also played memorable shows with the likes of Wolf Alice, Hinds, Swim Deep and Spring King, as well as summer festival dates at Reading, Leeds, Latitude and Truck. At the turn of the year, they were tipped in Apple Music’s New Artists 2017 and VEVO’s dscvr lists.

They’re now to embark upon a UK tour as the main support to Circa Waves before they head out on a Spring headline tour as well as select festival dates. The local dates are as follows: 

6th May – Norwich, Waterfront Studio
8th May – Cambridge, Portland Arms

For more dates, further information or to book visit: Dice FM / www.facebook.com/themagicgang 

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