Gross Magic, The Lexington, London – 05/07/2011

grossmagic

For all those following Gross Magic’s rise on the blogosphere, it should come as no surprise to find The Lexington rammed before he has even stepped on stage, so much so GIITTV has to squeeze into the tiniest of spaces and not move a muscle for the whole set. Which is hard – extremely hard – given Sam McGarrigle’s ability to write songs that make you want to do nothing but move.

If we can’t dance, we can at least let our ears devour the glam-rock-meets-grunge nuggets of beauty floating across the room. For half an hour, this corner of London is daubed in flickering rainbow psychedelia; vibrant, fun and just that little bit weird. Joined by a backing band, McGarrigle tosses his hair with a distinct blasé manner, his shrill falsetto shaking as if we’re immersed underwater.

Whilst each song hints at McGarrigle’s potential to become the newest name in the long line of great British eccentric popstars, it’s ‘Sweetest Touch’ that screams this the loudest, its combination of Pavement rumblings and soft, sugared melodies taking on a whole new life as they’re recreated in front of us. Utterly electrifying, it’s an exhilarating end to what is hopefully one small step in Gross Magic’s inevitable ascent to glory.

 

 

God is in the TV is an online music and culture fanzine founded in Cardiff by the editor Bill Cummings in 2003. GIITTV Bill has developed the site with the aid of a team of sub-editors and writers from across Britain, covering a wide range of music from unsigned and independent artists to major releases.