If judging by a self-titled album by German proggers Magic and Medicine, the career of the Oldenburg-based quintet hints a skyrocketing success on whatever comes next. Their debut, three-track EP is consistently daring and ever unpredictable. An unreserved mind game in the best possible sense, the band’s introductory release sculpts its genre—and time-bending material with no care for conventional compositional rules, which makes it that much more remarkable that songs should prove so immediately appealing throughout.
On the opening “Repeat,” it’s a combination of vocalist Judith Elisabeth Meyer and keyboardist Bernhard Eurich grounding all of the other heady twists and turns; on the 13-minute “Set Off,” it’s springy pop-jazz sensibility trimming those wilder proggy nose hairs; and on “Unfold,” it’s forceful, straightforward power chords by Paul Reuter reining in prog’s best classical-meets-jazz excesses.
In tandem with masterful organ/keys improvisations and imaginative guitar creations, you’ll often hear Meyer crooning warmly or snarling soulfully on any of the above, before leaping unexpectedly into emphatic higher registers to give Magic and Medicine’s sound even more dimensions of expression.
Creative, innovative and unpredictable music, strong compositions and excellent performances—this is progressive rock at its finest, and a strong contender for the release of the year as far as I’m concerned. At least for those who are fond of quirky, challenging prog.
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Creative, innovative and unpredictable music, strong compositions and excellent performances—this is progressive rock at its finest.
