I have to admit that I am somewhat embarrassed to say I have never seen Magic Castles live. Though in my defense, I had only recently started going to live shows again before Covid hit and interrupted my exploration of the local Minneapolis scene. I did happen to catch most of the members playing a benefit set of Pink Floyd tunes which was quite good. Sun Reign is the 7th full length release from the band and their fourth for Anton Newcombe’s A Records. If jangly guitars and solid harmonies are your thing then this is going to be perfect for you. Think The Byrds meets some of your favorite shoegaze acts. I recently reviewed the latest from Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor and called it a perfect Summer record and this one fits right into that same space. There’s a lot of air and atmosphere here. Perfect for those lazy hazy days of Summer. “Sunburst”, “Ode, to the Wind” and “Asuras” really drive home those Byrds like vibes. While I’m a big fan of the jangly sounds it’s tunes like “World of Time” that really hit home with the deep Western twang and slow atmospheric feel. “Magna Mater”, “Gates of The Sun” and “Relax Your Mind” are the standouts of side two with their more atmospheric shoegaze approach. For me the album does have two separate feels and moods. Side one has a bit more of a classic pop psych groove going for it while side two really slows it down and focuses on the atmospherics. Both sides however are quite solid. Hoping a live show is in the cards in the future.
I picked this one up at a local shop. I am not sure of availability from Cargo in the UK or Forced Exposure in the USA. it’s listed as on order
