Finally, the promised EP by Magic Wands is here – Magic Love & Dreams.  I’ve been thirsting to hear more from this love-duo since last year when they enchanted us “Black Magic” and “Teenage Love”. Surprisingly those tracks are two of the four on this EP, which makes me feel a bit cheated. I was expecting all new material, or at least more than just two songs. Sure they’ve been revamped a bit courtesy of producer John Hill, but they’re not very exciting anymore (especially not “Teenage Love”).

I was also hoping that the gorgeous demo of “Kaleidoscope Hearts” would be featured, but that was another disappointment (apparently it’s being released as an 7″ together with “Black Magic” instead).

It’s not all bad though, not at all: the remaining two songs, “Kiss Me Dead” (which has been on their MySpace pretty much since the beginning but now finally in good audio) and “Starships” are indeed quite magical. Shrilling guitars, instant hooks, boy/girl vocals and dark, dark love – what’s not to like about that? Overall Magic Wands almost sound like what New Order producing The Jesus and Mary Chain back in the 80’s might have been like. With some added fairy dust, that is.

The Magic Love & Dreams EP is set for release in May, 2009 via Bright Antenna (US, Japan) and Young and Lost Club (UK).

~ “Black Magic” ~