Album Review: Magic Kids Memphis

Photo / Supplied.

Rating: 5/5
Verdict: Wise beyond its years and fresh as a daisy

You'll do a double-take when you read that this album is a debut. Its chirpy songs have a familiar friendliness about them that sound as if they have been anchoring party playlists for a really long time - at least 40 years. But though the Magic Kids look and sound like the Beach Boys, the five- (sometimes six-) piece is made up of a bunch of fresh-faced young 20-somethings.

As the album's name suggests, the band hail from Memphis - its members grew up in the shadows of greats like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley - and Jay Reatard. They have a healthy respect for their forebears and their city's colourful history ribbons through the entire album, but despite the retro influences, the end result is refreshing - tantalisingly so.

It was recorded by Shane Stoneback who also recorded indie-pop sensation Vampire Weekend, and the two acts share a distinct feelgood factor, as well as the ability to fuse quirky fringe-shaking synths with rousing orchestral brass, percussion and strings.

Memphis evokes carefree summers riding bikes through the leafy 'burbs, calling, "Hey boy, where's your little girl tonight", but also harbours a sensitivity well beyond its years.

Doo-wops and oh-oh-ohs are balanced by the heart-warming coo of the three vocalists - it's bursting with childish energy, but is also calculated, well-rounded and mature. This a debut that should melt, and then hook, even the grumpiest member of its audience.