Magazine Gap is an amazing collection of various styles. The album "Light &
Shade" is a testament to an unconventional style that simply works. They have
fused jazz, pop/rock, hip-hop and country into a sound that is sure to amaze
even seasoned musicians and producers.
With vocalist James Keen, pianist Alex
Ho, bassist Tim Gyton and drummer and producer Brian McCook, not to mention the
various guest musicians and collaboration from the music community, all the
elements necessary to create a monster came together to bring forth an album
with soul, style and originality.
Upon hearing the first track I couldn't help notice similarities to
artists like Maroon 5, Matchbox 20 and Tracy Chapman all rolled into one. The
sound is not overpowering but instead soothing. The pop/rock style is
truly unique and with an array of different musical components, it is not hard
to get lost in any song. One that did stand out from the rest for me was
Swansong, by far the embodiment of what they were looking for. This beautifully
written and performed piece would not let me stop playing it over and over,
never getting tired of it in any way.
In this day and age of digitally enhancing music to fit expectations, it
is very nice to hear a 4 piece band that plays from the heart with no tricks. I
personally enjoy a wide variety of music from classical to metal and this band
creates it's own genre and energy. If you want to hear something different I
suggest picking up "Light & Shade", I have no regrets whatsoever in
having listened.
