Describing yourselves as “experimental post-rock from God’s womb” is quite bold, but in the case of MAGNOLIA, I believe it. The Norwich act have released their debut single ‘Television’, and it takes a dive into the beauty of getting lost in one’s own thoughts. Whether good or bad, there’s always a rabbit hole to explore. Imagine a concoction of Black Midi, blog favourites Maruja and a little classic hit of King Crimson, and you might get some idea of what to expect here.
Much like their post-rock counterparts, MAGNOLIA deliver a sound that’s all over the place. Coming at you from all angles, its instrumental is a wonderful collision of noise. Almost like an underground battleground that features melodies from different dreams you’ve had over the last month or so. Horns and guitars and drums duel it out over the course of nearly six minutes – six minutes that are enthralling, challenging and yet hopeful, anthemic.
Horns add weeping notes across the instrumental, painting a sombre colour on top of the ecstatic percussion, that seems to be in constant motion. The guitars sound punishing in their effort to be heard over the other layers, and the vocals start composed but soon fall into this unhinged mindset that seems to grow as the song progresses. It is strangely catchy in its schizophrenic approach. Having an alluring quality to it that makes me wish to experience it again and again.
‘Television’ feels less like an introduction from a fresh band, but a quick recap from a band that have been at it for years. MAGNOLIA have mentioned that the song took on many forms in its lifetime, and I believe we’re seeing snapshots of that inside it. It is a really well-crafted song, one that makes me excited to hear where this new act go from here.