Recently, those lovely lads Shout Magic sent over a copy of their latest release, Ceiling Fan And Other Revolutions. I wanted to post about them right away, but things around these parts got a bit crazy for a while. And to be totally honest, I’m not sure I really know what to write about Ceiling Fan anyway.
I’ll just get some stuff out of the way first. 1.) These are some of the friendliest and nicest guys I’ve had the pleasure of exchanging emails with. Which isn’t necessarily the best reason to talk up a band, so it’s a good thing that 2.) I adore their music. I’ve struggled to find some nifty adjectives to describe Ceiling Fan, but nothing seems quite right. It feels peaceful. And soothing. It’s creamy and buttery. But, although those are probably the kind of words I’d use to describe something I didn’t want to just call dull, Shout Magic is definitely not boring. There’s a strong ’60s influence in there but they avoid anything typical or obvious. They sound like getting dressed up to go dancing (not clubbing, mind you – proper dancing) but also like they wouldn’t be out of place playing in a beatnik coffee house.
Yes, that is a weird description, but it’s all the little bits that run through my head when I listen to them. And I love listening to them. Oddly, they’re appropriate for all kinds of situations – they’re great for if you need a little calm to clear your head to, but also energetic enough to be a happy energy boost, and most things in between. They sound good in the sunshine or if you’re up in the middle of the night. I realize I’m not doing a very good job describing what they actually sound like, but that’s because they don’t have a sound that can be described in any of the usual ways. I can’t compare them to other bands, because Shout Magic is far too unique for that. I can’t say you’ll like them if you like so-and-so, because they just don’t sound like anything else. I’ll be honest here and admit that it took me a while to get into them – their sound might not grab you straight away, it might take a few listens to settle in. But once it does, you’ll be hooked.
Order Ceiling Fan And Other Revolutions (in a lovely handmade silk-screened case) via Shout Magic’s official site (under ‘audio’), or from iTunes. And their first EP is still up for free, also on their site, so grab that while you’re at it. You won’t be sorry.
Shout Magic – Suzie
Filed under: Music Tagged: | Indie, Must Hear, Shout Magic
