Angry Baby first came across Electro Pop duo Magnetic Skies a year ago, when we reviewed their debut EP, Dreams and Memories. Singer songwriter Simon Kent and vocalist / programmer Jo Womar formed in 2018 and their new EP, Into Paradise, will be released on 20 March.
The title track of the four bounces us straight into a world of great rhythms and synth sounds reminiscent of the early to mid 1980’s. It’s a toe tappingly good song. The lyrics are also as good, with ‘Into Paradise‘ exploring temptation and subsequent redemption: “I watch the way you move, you’re pulling me in, I don’t believe it’s a sin and the game begins, If I close my eyes I find I’m into paradise.”
‘Empire Falling‘ continues the epic sound, with an epically long intro sounding like it was written for a film soundtrack and visits darker territory, lamenting the breakdown of familial and societal bonds: “I watched a world come crashing down like an empire falling, lost in the speed of life, lost to the sea, it’s calling”.
The closing track, ‘Give Me Back That Moment‘, slows the pace and gives us a moment of dreamy, hypnotic pop with thoughtful lyrics questioning life and the passing of time: “Did you leave your dreams behind you, lost in time? Did you lose the feeling, did the world pass you by? Are you living now? Give me back the light, give me back that moment”.
Before that, the third song, ‘Ashes To Ashes‘, is a cover of the classic Bowie song from 1980 and one that the duo play live on a regular basis – it’s always a crowd pleaser and is the only cover they do. Jo explains that this is because
Simon and I started working together because we both love the 80s electronic scene, and we also both love Bowie’s work. The song ticks all the boxes for us.
Whilst being true to the original sound, Simon and Jo have also managed to put their own spin on the track, making it more than just a cover. I really liked it.
Simon’s advice for aspiring musicians looks at the serendipitous partnership of finding the right musical partner:
“You have to believe in what you are doing and what you are about, and to follow it through to its conclusion. And find people who share your vision – it’s way more important than technical ability. Pop music is about emotion, not how fast you can play.”
Into Paradise is released on March 20 on ReprinT Records.
Catch Magnetic Skies live through to July 31. Or if you can’t make it, follow them at:
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