Customer Reviews

Magic Chairs

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Magic Chairs may mark a shift in sound for Efterklang, but breathtaking moments are still around every corner. Mass arrangements, accidental sounds and full ensemble vocals have been traded in places for a more stripped down poppier approach. Casper Clausen's vocals are brought to the forefront, leading the group as opposed to being part of the chorus. Some will surely say that Efterklang is trying to cash in on the indie rock boom, and I would agree if the songs were not so sincere and amazingly performed. The elements that the band is known for are still present, just a bit more subdued. The songs are well crafted, Casper's vocals are amazing and the songs hold up live. No band should release the same album their whole career. Efterklang gets credit not only for trying something different and pulling it off well, but for also being one of the nicest groups in the world. This band deserves all of your money.

I just saw Efterklan live tonight at TT the Bears and was blown away. Man, are they good live. Plus, they are really nice and funny onstage. Magic Chairs is the best album of 2010 so far... Just listen to the first three tracks of this CD and you will be instantly hooked. 4AD, thanks for always introducing me to amazing acts!

With Magic Chairs, Efterklang has bridged the gap into a more accessible realm of pop music. Efterklang seek perhaps a more profitable labor and have mostly abandoned their immense, cinematic presence and incomprehensible lyrics for a more understandable, logical approach. Songs titles "Harmonics" and "Natural Tune" are obvious indications of this endeavor. However, what they have left behind has not completely vanished and with repeated listens, the layers remain; though more subtle and carefully placed. This attention to detail is most impressively heard in the one-two punch of "Raincoats" and "Harmonics". It's truly a difficult process to find fault and that says much about Efterklang's work ethic and their endless steps towards pop perfection. This is the best album to be released this year so far and I imagine it will be there at the end as well.

Efterklang, what a name, I first got turned onto them on a free 4 A.D. sampler that Amazon was giving away. Now who or what person who new about the quality of product that 4 A.D. has put out over the years. I watch CD labels, that's my first clue about the quality of a CD. Now 4 A.D. has a long and great career putting out electronic and classical rock albums since some time in the late 70's or early 80's so I trust them a bunch. So when I heard the opening piano riff on "Magic Chairs" I was interested. By the end of that track I was excited. I couldn't contain myself, I bought the whole bloody CD..Man, the day I got "Magic Chairs in the mail I was so excited. "Magic Chairs" was the first track as I listened I smiled, boy did I have some people to tell about this album. Then track two "Alike", another great bit of classic rock I new that Amazon had turned me onto a real winner. Then "I was Playing Drums" started and as I listened I waited for drums, right. Some drum but no amazing solo or pounding beats Well from Raincoats on it was a nice album but not the Masterpiece I expected. After months of not listening and then putting it on to write this review, hey it's not so bad, but I'd say if you buy this keep it ON and loud you'll like this album. Hey check out a track called "Harmonics", there's something there. Well for a post-moderd rockers or I escaped from the 80's and made an album Mom, this is not bad. At $7.99 on Amazon Marketplace I'd say the album is worth it. I'm gonna keep mine for a while, I'm kinda liking it, but hey I'm a little weird so. You know this thing Grows on you. I make that $9.99 from Amazon and besides it's got a great cover. I'm gonna buy the next album when it comes out, Oh yea. "Magic Chairs" by Efterklang is a worthy effort. Listen and ENJOY! Michael Daily........

2 1/2


Many good ideas and pretty moments, though the Coldplay-with-edge approach leaves the album wanting as a whole, exuding a certain identity-less pandering.