Composer, keyboard player and producer Nick Magnus is best known for his work with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett from 1978 to 1989, providing his keyboard talents to at least twelve of Hackett’s albums to date, as well as lending his skill as an arranger to legendary Hackett albums such as ‘Spectral Mornings’ and ‘Defector.’
Prior to joining the Steve Hackett Band, Nick started his musical career in early 1976 with cult symphonic rock ensemble, The Enid, and later joining progressive rock band Autumn.
Nick’s 5th solo studio album ‘n’monix’ is due to be released next week – via Esoteric Antenna/Cherry Red Records – and is already set to be one of the outstanding prog releases of 2014.
We listened to opening track ‘Time’. Here’s what we thought:
At first the sounds scream towards you – lost in direction – before they skid to a dramatic halt. Then icy drops descend like steel-rods from a steep series of guitar sounds and angular synthy shapes.
Blowhole organ-sounds gurgle happily – as the regular beats gear themselves up for a robust march. A voice emerges … it is sharp but soft … and sits atop a rustling sound of drums. Then it looses itself amongst a mossy tangle of archaic church organ.
Piano tinkles help the choral work to reorganize itself and reach a satisfactory plateau of wealth. Then the piece becomes majestic and fulfilling.
Rather like a classic country garden … ‘Time‘ is full of surprising corners, steep angles, unnerving slopes and rich abundant landscapes. At moments this is quirky and delighfully whimsical – at others it’s as stern and unimpressed as a school master with a sore head. Very English – chortling good fun – but with an unhurried sense of enigmatic intrigue. There are rich veins here. To explore at leisure.
Sit back in your favourite darkened room and let your untamed mind explore this cavern of intrigue.
@neilmach © 2014
NICK MAGNUS – N’MONIX – OUT APRIL 28 on ESOTERIC ANTENNA/CHERRY RED RECORDS
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