Magic Arm - Images Rolling

by Carl Bookstein

published: 29 / 4 / 2013

Label: Switchflicker
Format: CD

Harmonic and lo-fi second album, which extends from classical music to indie pop, from Magic Arm, the moniker for Manchester-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marc Rigelsford

Review

'Images Rolling' somehow brings to mind an indie rock church with sounds that range from pristine to pastoral. On 'Images Rolling', Magic Arm aka singer-songwriter Marc Rigelsford plays almost all instruments himself including drums, keyboards and guitar. On this his second album, Magic Arm adds more acoustic instruments to the mix with piano, plus violin (by Michael Watson) also featured. Rigelsford is also a pro tools scholar and master of the loop pedal. Magic Arm has been heralded by Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear and Samuel Beam of Iron & Wine. The layered harmonies and lo-fi sound of Magic Arm’s first album have evolved into the natural sound and Simon and Garfunkel influence of 'Images Rolling'. The opener 'Put Your Collar Up' starts with the graceful hum of a well played violin. Then keyboards groove into a bright vocal. “Is this the right way now?” Rigelsford asks with a pastiche of strong lyrics and varied instrumentation - heightened creativity in composition. 'You Have Won' instantly brings to mind Simon and Garfunkel with its soft hushed but rich tones. A touch of 'Pet Sounds'- era Beach Boys can also be heard in the harmonies. 'Warning Sign' begins with a subtle piano which merges into a sound of heavenly horns. Music flows over you awash in lush symphonic like effect - an amalgam of instruments richly produced and delivered. With its piano interludes and violin solos, this album bridges varied terrain from classical music to indie pop - quite effective in its scope. On 'Tonight I Walk', something like a strain of old English folk music brings to mind rolling green hills and the evocative countryside. “I’m going to make this my goal to find a way” the lyric states. The closer 'The Flood' takes the listener home with ease and comfort: “Images rolling so pointlessly…” The album ends with a touch of piano- all in all, a lovely creative effort and well executed.

Track Listing:-

1 Put Your Collar Up
2 You Have Won
3 Warning Sign
4 Great Life
5 Lanes
6 Type Endlessly
7 Is History
8 Tonight I Walk
9 Under the Eaves
10 The Flood

Band Links:-

http://magicarm.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/magicarmmusic
http://www.last.fm/music/Magic+Arm
https://www.youtube.com/user/switchfli
http://magicarm.bandcamp.com/
http://www.songkick.com/artists/109056