8/10

After literally years of having them on our radar, Brighton's The Magic Gang have finally broken down the first major milestone of their career and unveiled their first studio album. The band have thus far been releasing nothing but a plethora of EPs and singles, but unlike most artists in their situation, their debut full-length doesn't rely on past releases to bulk it out and is largely a record filled with new and exciting cuts.

Once you first switch on to 'The Magic Gang', you'll know that this is a release from a band looking to make a good first impression. The opener 'Oh, Saki' has this real energy to it that sets up the rest of the record. As it plays, we are treated to a diverse range of pace and exploration, all while maintaining their core sound of laid-back indie that occasionally calls back to the days of early Weezer and Bush.

A solid mix of classic influences and a contemporary direction, 'The Magic Gang' is one of the best indie records of the year so far. Engaging from start to finish, it manages to keep this real hold on you as it plays, and keeps you wanting ever more.