I was expecting a tye-dye t-shirted affair, this show being at a student union after all. But the reality ended up a million miles from my preconceived idea. There was actually a huge assortment of people, even a 3-generation family in front of me in the queue waiting like I was for half an hour trying to get a Stella or 3.
But the Beer God must have shone on us, for just as we were served and took our position in the crowd, the band walked gently onto the stage, framed by a great stencilled silhouette backdrop, with fairy lights highliting the border of all of the whole band. As entrances go, it wasn't too shabby.
The Magic Numbers consist of 2 brother-sister acts. Romeo and Michelle Stoddard and Sean & Angela Gannon. Romeo introduces all the band members, like you where introducing an old friend of yours to another, very informally. He is the stimulus behind the band, penning the lyrics and adopting the role of cardinal vocalist.
He's blessed with a sweet soft twang of a voice, compared to the likes of John Denver & Neil Young by some. Great comparisons I'd say. They have that slightly odd, offbeat feel to them that in contemporary terms you only get with the legendary Beck.
Romeo's sister Michelle plays fluid bass, and what a massive guitar it looks in her hands! She also adds her distinctive harmonising vocals. She really reminds me of Janis Joplin, and that can only be a good thing in my book. Sean is the beatmaster behind the band, he plays the drums sinously to the end, whilst Angela is responsible for percussion, melodica and vocals: her voice being as sweet as an angels' lullaby, with a face to match. No doubt this has been said before, but they have a definite Mamas'n'Papas vibe to them.
|
Halfway through the gig, a security guard ejected a youth for "throwing a hair band on stage." It was obviously meant as a joke, due to whole group having long flowing locks. Once the song had ended, Romeo demanded "that the guy be let back in" and that " we are all friends here, like one big family." It certainly seemed that way & the fella was soon delivered back to his place in the crowd.
A new song was showcased, a soft gently-paced tune. Highly impressive. The single "Forever Lost" was one of 2 main highlights for me. The breakdown of it was as enchanting as it was magical. To top it all off, the encore - a cover of Beyonce Knowles "Crazy In Love" - was performed in a barber shop quartet fashion. Crisp, imaginative and very clever.
This band have many qualities about them: soulful lyrics, a fabulous mellow vibe and mesmerising voices. They definitely hit all the right numbers for me.
|
