Magnetic Morning - A.M.
by Anthony Strutt
published: 8 / 5 / 2009

Label:
Sweet Nothing
Format: CD
intro
Fine debut album from Magnetic Morning, the new project of Adam Franklin, the singer and guitarist with Swervedriver, and Sam Fogarino, Interpol's drummer
Magnetic Morning consists of Adam Franklin, the singer and guitarist with Swervedriver (who were originally on Creation Records and are now reformed and playing gigs again) and Sam Fogarino, the drummer with Interpol. ‘Spring Unseen’ opens the album. Adam has a voice something like Mark Eitzel, but more husky. This is a well arranged song, with a lot going on inside of it and perfect harmonies which give it depth. ‘At a Crossroad’ is a shoegazing number with a strong feel of Interpol. Adam’s lyrics recall those of Mark Gardener from Ride but are a lot more crisp. As this track moves along, it becomes more chaotic and increasingly atmospheric. ‘Indian Summer’ is a song to get lost inside of, warm and lovely, and lush in sound. ‘Come Back’ is much more experimental, with lonesome drums, cinematic keyboards, and haunting vibes. The acoustic guitars that Adam uses on it are smooth and warm also. ‘No Direction’ has more of a pop feel and direction and recalls the Catherine Wheel. ‘Motorway’ is the loudest track here, an intense shoegazing number but with some lighter moments too. ‘The Wrong Turning’ is another poppy track with solid keyboards and drums, and is trippy in a dreamy way. ‘Out in the Street’ is a moody, slow-paced number, again with a lush sound. ‘And I Wonder’ features strong keyboards and has lovely guitars that float on top of them. Adam’s vocals in turn swim nicely on top of the guitars, adding more beauty. ‘Athens 5’ is more offbeat, slow paced with weird sound effects and extra crisp guitars. A fine debut album.
Track Listing:-
1 Spring Unseen2 At A Crossroads, Passive
3 Indian Summer
4 Come Back
5 No Direction
6 Motorway
7 The Wrong Turning
8 Out In The Streets
9 And I Wonder
10 Athens 5
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