UK band MAGIC BUS first came to some prominence when they released their debut album back in 2010. This album was followed by a single release the following year, and then a second album followed in 2014. “Seven Wonders” is their second single release, and was released through UK label Fruits de Mer Records‘ sublabel Regal Crabomophone in 2015 on an old fashioned 7 inch vinyl single, with a cover of The Byrds classic Eight Miles High as the B side track.
The original composition Seven Wonders is the kind of composition that most likely will have a fairly broad appeal among those with a taste and affection for progressive rock first and foremost. It’s a creation that mainly operates within what one might describe as a pastoral context, a slow paced creation with relaxed lead vocals, some nifty vocal harmonies here and there, with an acoustic guitar and organ combination that ebbs and flows in intensity and some flute details added in on occasion. A touch of Caravan with a slight side dish of Jethro Tull if you like, with a more energetic midsection sporting a stronger organ emphasis and a sound reminding more of mid to late 70’s Eloy.
The cover of Eight Miles High opens with a drone and vocals sequence that smoothly segues into a vocals and organ combination, slow paced and deliberate, with a smooth transition by way of cosmic sounds into a more familiar acoustic guitars and vocals driven take on this classic song, alternating with subtly more intense instrumental interludes with dampened, funky guitar riffs and the flute given more room. Again with some associations in terms of the Canterbury scene as a distinct but subtle rather than dominant presence.
While the Fruits de Mer label is best known for their release of music within a psychedelic rock context, this particular single is one that, at least to my ears, would be more of interest to a progressive rock oriented audience. This goes especially towards the A side track obviously, as the B side cover of The Byrds is a piece that most likely will attract a stronger interest from a psychedelic rock interested audience. But whether you belong in one camp or the other – or both, this is yet another solid release from this label, by what comes across as a solid and refined band.
My rating: 80/100
