Search - Magic Dirt :: Magic Dirt

Feedback frenzy - Surprise! - it came from Down Under . . .

Rich Latta | Albuquerque, NM - Land of Entitlement | 09/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Living in America, I'm not too familiar with the Australian music scene aside from the more obvious biggies (Nick Cave, INXS, etc.), so I was kinda taken aback when I first encountered Magic Dirt after popping in a promo CD while hanging around a college radio station (they eventually let me keep it). Listening to this grating, squalling, guitar-drenched adrenalin, it quickly becomes apparent this band takes some cues from aggro and Sonic Youth, maybe even more atmospheric bands like My Bloody Valentine as well. If you like sexy, tiny little girl vocals a la Kim Deal (Breeders, Pixies) that rock, then this one's up your alley.



Unlike the reviewer below me, I think "Choker" is one of the best songs (I still found the review "helpful") - it's a feedback-soaked slice of gothic doom and gloom that alternately roars like a hurricane (no disrespect to the recent victims of Hurricane Katrina). I like their more "pop" efforts less - I find "Amoxycillin" slightly annoying, especially at the chorus, but "Redhead" is a good song and could've made it on commercial radio, that is, if radio was a bit cooler. "Amoxycillin" (on my version at least) actually lasts about 4 minutes and then goes off into droning-guitar land for another 10 - which can be useful, especially if you're trying to clear out a party. This band is really good - they rock hard and they change tempos and intensity levels with skill. I was going to rate this album 4-stars, partly because I like a little more variety on my records, but like a lot of great music, the songs take on greater definition with repeated listens. Way cool."

This album rocks!!

Rich Latta | 02/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is agreat cd, its very hard, very distortioned! if ya have heard of or liked "friends in danger" youll definatly like the self titled album, besides its there first!"

Magic Dirt Rock, lots.

Rich Latta | 09/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Magic Dirt are one of the most rockin bands in Australia and have begun to be noticed. This album is the result of combining two of their earliest EPs and some extra songs. Now i believe that Magic Dirt keep getting better and better, so while there are some amazing tracks on this compile like their breakthrough underground hit "Ice" as well as "Daddy" (both from the "Life Was Better...", there are some odd ones like "choker" from Magic Dirt's first release. But it is overall a really great loud album. Hard to find though, only released outside Australia i think."