Magnum are, as their name would suggest, like a vintage bottle of champagne. They are, perhaps improbably, getting better with age and never has that more evident than on ‘Escape From The Shadow Garden’, the band’s 18th studio album.
Since reforming in 2002, after a hiatus that lasted almost a decade, the band has ventured into prog territory, moving away from the pomp of earlier releases. But, in a giant leap from 2012’s ‘On The 13th Day’, Magnum have once again made a grab for the grandiose with ‘Escape From The Shadow Garden’.
The influence of guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin is apparent throughout each of the 11 wonderfully melodic tracks here, from the epic, intricate opener ‘Live Til You Die to the honky-tonk of Too Many Clowns, which comes courtesy of keyboardist Mark Stanway. Album 18 is packed with plenty of Magnum’s signatures moves, mystery and magic.
Resurrecting the glitz of 1981's ‘Chase The Dragon’ and 1988's ‘Wings Of Heaven’, fluffier moments take centre stage during Falling For The Big Plan and Don’t Fall, which arrive loaded with enough cheese to keep Pizza Hut in business for a year.
On Too Many Clowns, the proggy landscape changes and denser strokes are added to the canvas, Bob Catley’s vocals taking on the swaggering ferocity of Kyuss’s John Garcia. But, the best is saved for last as the majestic ballad The Valley of Tears, tinkling ivories and luscious soundscapes included, ends things on a stunning note.
This album is more than capable of pleasing the purists, but vibrant enough to spawn a new generation of fans. ‘Escape From The Shadow Garden’ could well be their magnum opus.
Tue April 22 2014 - OXFORD O2 Academy Oxford
Wed April 23 2014 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Thu April 24 2014 - NORWICH Waterfront
Fri April 25 2014 - LEAMINGTON SPA Assembly Halls
Sat April 26 2014 - MANCHESTER Ritz
Mon April 28 2014 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Tue April 29 2014 - GLASGOW Glasgow Garage
Wed April 30 2014 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 Academy Newcastle
Fri May 02 2014 - HOLMFIRTH Picturedrome
Sat May 03 2014 - WOLVERHAMPTON Wulfrun Hall
Sun May 04 2014 - LONDON Islington Assembly Hall
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