Staff Reviews

Magic Arm - Images Rolling

Review by Aaron Lavery

Images Rolling is a definite step up in consistency compared to Magic Arm's debut, and will be well-suited as a soundtrack to the famous Manchester sunshine, whenever it remembers to make an appearance.»

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Moving away from the more electronic sound of his debut LP, 'Images Rolling' has taken on the natural reverbs of the vast part-derelict three-storey house, coming over as an altogether warmer and more comforting entity. Take infectious opener 'Put Your Collar Up'; classical sounds are thrown off centre by detuned pianos and woozy synths that move with hip hop bounce. Elsewhere 'Warning Sign' recalls the ambience of Mercury Rev's weirdly magical off-kilter daydreams whilst 'Lanes' sweeping strings and the merry-go-round waltz of 'Great Life' give light to Rigelsford's new method of exploration in writing songs on a piano rather than a guitar for the very first time. From entry point to its end 'Images Rolling' is a restless, fearlessly ambitious, yet understated and articulate piece of work. No-one could ever accuse Rigelsford of making music that fits into any pigeon-shaped holes, but with this record he's certainly found a musical home.
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