Magnetics - 16 Toneladas, Valencia, 13/4/2023

  by Philamonjaro

published: 26 / 5 / 2023

Following up on their performance at The Last London International Ska Festival (April 6th through 9th), Italian ska outfit The Magnetics continued with a short seven-stop tour of Spain. And for their first time in Valencia, this quintet won over new fans. As ska music does, the crowd was infectiously happy and dancing. The band delivered a solid night of skankin’ and revelry. Formed in 2017 by front man Oliviero (Olly) Riva formerly of The Soulrockets, they specifically focus on the early 60’s ska and reggae weaving in some R&B and soul. Fueled with original material, they are diverse within the ska temple. 'Cuba Libre' is a sultry latin dance groove. 'King Kong Girls' errs toward island-vibe featuring a lively call and response with the audience. Later in the set they roused fans with a rocksteady version of 'Volare'. What better way to blend Italian and ska? The Magnetics are one of those newer, lesser known gems who are bound to grow their audience over time. Relentlessly touring the continent, they are proving worth getting to know. Hard-working, the band is indisputably in it for the music and passion. Over their brief history, they have played various European ska festivals and opening for The Skatalites amongst other notables. Further confirmation that they are worth checking out. Close friends, recording and stage collaborators with Trojan Records singing legend Susan Cadogan, they first worked together back in 2019. In 2022 they were featured on a Susan Cadogan live digital album called'“Live in Italy' (Black Dingo Records). They followed up on this with a limited-release vinyl single with Cadogan (written by Riva) called “My Oh My” on Jump Up Records in Chicago. The Magnetics first two releases, the 2017 debut 'Jamaican Ska' and a 2018 'Coffee & Sugar' are available on limited release vinyl through Jump Up Records in coloured vinyl. More recently in 2020 they released 'Cocktails & Fairytales Vol 1 & VOL 2', songs themed on cocktails names. As ska is synonymous with fun and dancing, this band nails it spot on. Photographs by Philamonjaro www.philamonjaro.com

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