Magic Island
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF
Music
Press
The cavernous reverb and glowing synths on “Himalayas” make for a stratospheric introduction to “Falling Through Space,” the second EP by Magic Island. The album makes skillful use of layered vocals, and its icy guitar riffs recall some of Minus the Bear’s catchiest work. The lyrics of the its third track, “Hang High,” inspired the album's title. “[They] talk about becoming more independent and isolated while the music has some dark spaciness to it, so it all tied in well,” explains vocalist Drew Valera. Following the set’s release in August, the Leominster-based quartet welcomed fifth member Joe Aidonidis, adding keyboard and vocal harmonies to its texturally lush tunes. The band will be bringing the songs of “Falling Through Space” – and perhaps a KC & the Sunshine Band cover or two – to the Middle East Upstairs on November 19 - Jake Reed - The Deli Magazine
Says Drew Valera: My all-time favorite Halloween costume was being a cowboy along with my brother/bassist Anthony. We were only 3 and 4 years old but it felt badass to come back with a shit ton of candy. We felt more like bandits than cowboys.
You can hear Magic Island’s latest release on their bandcamp page. - Allston Pudding
Discography
Hot Sauce - 2020
New Colors - 2015
Nice Vacation / Jackie Chan - 2014
Falling Through Space - 2013
Photos
Bio
Central Massachusetts’s Magic Island is comprised of brothers Drew and Anthony Valera, along with their hometown friends Dan Stocking and Christopher Floyd. The four-piece brought to life Drew’s original 2012 demos, putting each member’s own vibe and style into each song that became their debut EP “Falling Through Space.”
Funky rhythms and groovy bass lines juxtapose big arena-rock guitar leads and strong Beatles-esque vocal harmonies. Their style touches upon the early days of classic rock in the vein of Pink Floyd and Queen, expertly mingled with the vibes you’d find on an early Michael Jackson album. However, Magic Island sound doesn’t come off gimmicky or overly retro, as they blend all of that with a strong element of modern indie rock comparable to the sounds of My Morning Jacket, Tame Impala, and Dr. Dog.
Since the release of that original EP in the summer of 2013, the band has self-released two more EP’s, picked up local residencies, toured the East Coast, as well self produced their 2020 11-song magnum opus entitled “Hot Sauce.” Given the global pandemic and plans to tour the US out the window, the band has sporadically released several music videos for the new album entirely shot and edited themselves. The plan for live shows when viable as well as the release of more new music totes great things on the horizon for 2021 and the Magic Island boys.
Band Members
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