ALBUM REVIEWS
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ALBUM REVIEWS |
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Magnum
INTO THE VALLEY OF THE MOONKING SPV 15.6.09 @www.vanguard-online.co.uk Rock music is a constantly evolving creature that seems to buck current trends, remaining a constant throughout the fleeting obsessions of the music business, always there on the fringes, known and loved by a loyal following but often overlooked by the commercialism of the industry. The same can be said of Magnum, they have been around since 1972 (with a brief 6 year sojourn from 1995 to 2001) producing what I can only describe as Fantasy rock, with its Rodney Matthews album sleeves and references to Dragons, heroes and epic battles. So, we come to their 15th release, ‘Into The Valley Of The Moonking’ and they still haven’t changed the formula but I don’t think that was the intention. This album is intended to satisfy their hardcore fans (of which I rank myself as one) rather than break any new ground. So with this in mind, ’ …Moonking’ at first listen doesn’t give you an instant fix and I must admit I was a little disappointed that there was no modern classics that they have been delivering recently to match their heyday. But give the album time as it’s a whole lot subtler and reveals its secrets almost reluctantly. The obligatory intro starts proceedings which is as customary as the long winded albums title that feeds into a more formulated sound that is heavy on the lyrics and light on the rock clichés but with tracks like ‘Take Me To The Edge’ that ramp up the tempo. I’m always a sucker for a good story behind a song, so the title track Moonking is a winner along side. Magnum’s output since they reformed has been quite a revelation, no flogging a dead horse here, there recent catalogue fits well alongside, if not equals their finest hour and …Moonking fits well into this support role for Story Tellers night and Vigilante. The band are on tour again and I expect that a large chunk of this album will be aired and should receive a rapturous receptions and fill the gaps admirably between the classics. Magnum are a banker band for me in that I will always get their latest album without hesitation because for me they always deliver, so I guess I’m as predictable as Magnum’s sound and to be fair that’s the way I like it, so scoff it you want to but I know where I can get my musical kicks and they’ll still be around and delivering long after your 15 minutes of fame celebs! www.magnumonline.co.uk |