For their 4th album, ever-present Antonio Cortina (vocals) is joined by Roberto Panarotto (bass) and Giovanni Franceschini (drums) to make the power trio line-up of Quiet Confusion complete. Their new approach to 70s psyche, rock and a bit of prog makes Magella a fuzzy delight with variation, twists and turns that keep the interest quotient high.
This Italian trio have progressed nicely from their first release, Jungle, in 2012 and this one shows their maturity, imagination and instrumental skills have developed into a powerful force.
One listen to lead off track, ‘Long Wave’, with its strident riff moving into a bouncy and catchy melody will have you hooked. Add in some fuzzed guitar soloing and it becomes even more irresistible. Next song, ‘Plastic Man’ follows a similar (sort of) garage-y template but with some crazy clever slapped bass that works a treat. ‘Lady In Blue’ and ‘Wastin’ Time’ get even catchier and the latter throws in a serious riff toward the end. The remainder of the album moves into more psyche territory as ‘Sweet Noise’ is the sound effect laden prog of Golden Earring with extra funk, as is ‘Behind the Sun’. ‘Droppers’ goes blues with weight and brilliant snare/hi-hat work. The closing six-minute ‘JJ’ is the best, the neat chord work intro leads to a slower, almost jazzy section of space-rock that wouldn’t be out of place in the set of a jam band of the early 70s. Great bass line with clever, non-shreddy guitar providing acres of atmosphere and texture.
If you like spacey, fuzzy, garagey but overall quality rock that is very up-to-date and yet reflects all that was good in those experimental days, then this is well worth a listen.
Magella is out now on Go Down Records.
