Magic Kids sprinkle musical fairy dust tonight at the Echo
Rarely has a band with so little output attracted so much attention: Memphis, Tenn.'s, beguilingly ebullient Magic Kids have released one two-song, seven-inch on their hometown's Goner Records label. Channeling the pop prowess of the likes of Brian Wilson and Phil Spector, the good-natured six-piece was Nylon Magazine's July Band Crush and last month became the latest indie act to sign to Matador Records' True Panther Sounds imprint.
Formed from the ashes of the short-lived Barbaras, a band that imploded when two of its key members joined the late Jay Reatard's touring act, Magic Kids' sparkly, snuggly, bright-eyed sound is tough to resist. Employing a blend of multiple guitars, violins, horns and keyboards, the Kids purvey a heartfelt, energetic blend of feel-good music. Beanpole front man Bennett Foster takes control of the stage in short shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, often gleefully mingling with the audience as he sings warm and fuzzy pop gems like the soaring A-side, "Hey Boy."
They'll be recording a full-length album for True Panther Sounds next month, but they're currently in the midst of their first cross-country tour. Angelenos can get a taste of the band's bewitching melodies when Magic Kids land tonight at The Echo, supported by Pearl Harbor and Dunes. Sample their enchanting sound below.
--Jason Gelt
Magic Kids tonight at the Echo, 1822 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles. (213) 413-8200. 8 p.m. $10.
Magic Kids photo courtesy of Goner Records
