The Magnetic Mind 'Maybe the Stars, Maybe the Sun' 7" Review by Michelle Nevill

Lately I have been taking a lot of joy in re-discovering the sounds of the 60’s psychedelia and music from that era. I forgot just how much happiness it awakens in me and did in many people at the time. A time of freedom, love and new awakenings.

On my travels I came across Magnetic Mind. A London based psychedelic band formed in 2011, they recently released their debut 7” single ‘Maybe the Stars, Maybe the Sun in May this year.  Ellie, Paul, John, Simon and Sam created Magnetic Mind through a shared love of 60’s garage and psychedelic music.

As I sit here with their 7” ‘Maybe the Stars, Maybe the Sun’ I am transported by this talented band of musicians to a time long gone. Yet here it is, oh so present and absolutely delightful. Straight away I am gripped by the rhythmic intro from the drums, bass and organ. The main element I notice are the wonderful harmonies between Ellie and Paul which are strong, but feel soft, like silk moving over your skin. Very smooth indeed.

The track itself is incredibly well written with some really nifty hooks, that change it up yet provide the perfect vehicle to show us just how clever these boys and girl really are.

To think that 50 years after music like this was originally written, a young group of adults would be able to perfectly re-create songs with so much intensity and passion makes me really happy. Especially since we can only re-live those moments through our records (for those of us that were born too late).

The second track ‘Laser Fingers’ is actually my favourite of the two. The organ can be compared to the likes of the Doors, whilst as a band I would say they are similar to Jefferson Airplane perhaps. However it should be noted that Magnetic Mind very much have their own thing happening and individual stylings are very present here.

‘Laser Fingers’ features a fantastic organ intro that is greeted by spectacularly sung harmonies, and whilst listening to the lyrics “Trust in me and I will guide you, take my hand the stars will light the way” I can feel myself ready to embrace the journey as they light way.

There is a striking bridge within this track, where the drums pulsate whilst Ellie sings solo that brings a great change of tone to the song, as it elevates and transcends into a groovy, melodic track suitable to go and shake your hips to.  

I am definitely looking forward to hearing an album from these guys, as in my opinion, they are talented beyond their years and have a very long and successful road ahead of them. On which I will most definitely be standing on the side lines giving all the support I can.

If you are curious and want to witness the magic of The Magnetic Mind for yourself, they are playing The Victoria in Hackney on the 20th August with Trembling Bells & Hidden Masters. Tickets can be purchased here: https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/saleproducts.aspx?productid=9df6216e-d3a7-43be-973d-bfe6619347a1&resellerid=d5dedeb6-00a0-4a0d-8e5e-ca4ffd894e0e

'Maybe the Stars, Maybe the Sun' released on Heavy Soul 45's