Stoned by Magic
“Three songs? That’s IT!?” you cry. Don’t worry; Stoned by Magic is there for you. Their self-titled EP came out last fall — their first structured release, as the previous three have all been improv. It’s short, but the EP encompasses what they are setting out to do for music. Three songs wrapped in swaddling lo-fi production breathe the efforts of the three Clevelanders Michele McBride, Robert O’Lexa and Scott Pickering. They’re bringing it directly to you at an 8:30PM show on Fri 4/1 at the Beachland Tavern.
The major selling point in the EP is about three minutes and twenty-two seconds into the song “Muerte” – where the coarse vocals lead into a grand finale whistling solo. The songs each have a very tangible quality to them, wrapped overall in a dark sound and dark emotions. It’s difficult to decide what the specific motivational issues are behind each song, especially with the rough production blocking articulation, but the mood and emotions are clearly conveyed.
Melody-wise, the songs have a poppy beat, but maintain the indie/garage appeal. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t catch myself humming guitar riffs after the fact. There was nothing overwhelmingly complex about the music behind the songs, but it flowed well song to song, the smooth transitions most likely stemming from the band’s love of jam sessions. The overall sound of the EP doesn’t change much on a song to song basis; good background music for a rainy day (Cleveland day? Every day?).
The band is currently working on new material, aiming to keep the rougher feel while still improving the production quality of the album.
Your best chance to catch some of these newer tunes, if you’re not familiar with the interweb and http://MySpace.com/stonedbymagic, would be to check out their show Fri 4/1 at the Beachland Tavern. This show is FREE and features Cleveland friends Sun Spots, Forgotten Souls of Antiquity and the May Company.
In a band/know a band/see a band? Email Laurie at ClevelandSoundsATgmail.com!
Laurie Wanninger is a Cleveland convert, having lived in Pittsburgh for 20 years. After attending John Carroll University, she was sold on the city and now lives, works and breathes Cleveland. Spare time is spent DJing Music for Your Laundry List at WJCU 88.7, bicycling, going to local concerts and dreaming of microbrews and National Parks.