Here We Go Magic

Here We Go Magic (Western Vinyl)

By Aiden Landman
Published: March 18th, 2009 | 9:00am

It is hard to talk about the self-titled debut by the Luke Temple–led Here We Go Magic without getting the least bit giddy. Pop music this utopian is a precious commodity. As the world shrinks and music gentrifies, Temple's fissiparousness — his keen ability and tendency to break away from the pack — makes him a truly special artist.

The album, the result of a two-month bedroom recording session, is as phenomenal as it is varied. There is an underlying reliance on reverberation which serves the purpose of tying the record together — giving it cohesion, a base, adherence to a rule. Otherwise, all bets are off. The songs on Here We Go Magic range from the instrumental driving ambiance of “Ghost List,” “Babyohbabyijustcantstanditanymore,” and “Nat's Alien” to the quiet pop of “Fangela,” commencing with the mind-blowing splendor of “Everything's Big.” Variation and stylistic intermingling ensure the record will remain bracing and vivid for years to come.

Vocally, Here We Go Magic rides a wave of subconscious thought. Temple's meanings are at times double, but his aim seems to be true. His songs possess an honesty neither cynical nor naïve, just organic. Complemented by the primitive thrust of the drumming and the inhuman singing of the synthesizer, Temple envelops the listener, hypnotizing them for the duration of the 38-minute record.

Here We Go Magic's promise is staggering. As a sign of things to come, it is awe-inspiring; as a one-off experiment, it is miraculous. An instant classic.

—

Here We Go Magic’s official site

Here We Go Magic’s MySpace page