Memphis

Memphis, their debut LP, bottles all of that up with remarkable skill, but often to disappointing effect. Its many flourishes are much more satisfying than its songs, each dissolving on contact no matter how much buoyancy or sugar they boast for stretches.

Since when did showy enthusiasm become such a faux pas? There’s something about gleeful artists. You know, the ones whose intentions are to eagerly express that much needed everyday joy without even the slightest rationale. Holding a very appropriate band name, Magic Kids spread enchanting serotonins to induce high levels of happiness with their constant bouts of ritualistic chamber pop. In other words, they’re mighty serious about their happy and they know it, and they really want to show it attitude.

If there’s one thing that Magic Kids could to finetune a little, it’s the sequencing and pacing of Memphis, since the singles-worthy ear candy comes so fast and furiously that some of the ditties on the second half of the album get lost in the shuffle. “Good to Be” and “Sailing” could hold up well as stand-alone tracks on a randomized playlist, but they end up seeming too frantic where they appear on the album. They’re the sonic equivalent of taking another hit of something that’s a little too sweet when you’re already on a sugar-high.