Genre fluidity is one thing, genre sorcery is quite another; find the difference by delving into one of the seminal singles, Geronimo, from Ren Ashfield and the Magicians’ unmissable LP, Sonic Creations.
Starting with a groove which melds Motown-reminiscent basslines with gospel-esque bluesy shimmering organs before rock inclinations are licked into the production by the audaciously brashy guitars, Geronimo is a riot of alchemic ingenuity before the first chorus hits. You’ll know when it does; the synths kick up a frenetically dance-y 80s storm before psych folk elements entwine with them to lace the polyphonic aesthetics with organic elements for a truly mind-melting experience.
It took a talented vocalist to tame the sonic beast which is Geronimo, but Ren Ashfield’s naturally commanding vocal lines blazed across the unchartered territory with unfaltering ease, pulling you deeper into the production, ensuring that by the time the guitar solo starts to tear through the atmosphere, it will lead you to nirvana as it endlessly ascends.
Stream the Sonic Creations LP on Spotify now.
Review by Amelia Vandergast