Magic Bullets Lying Around

Magic Bullets' newest album is jangly pop masterpiece with a decent chance of getting you to sit up in your chair and ask "˜How have I not listened to this before?' As a newer band on a smaller label, Magic Bullets hasn't had much of a chance to develop a following, but with such an earnest and pleasant sound they're sure to be more than a few people's favorite band by the end of the year.

The 2010 San Francisco meets 1980's Manchester sound comes dangerously close to being an all-out Smiths rip off at times, but it's done with such sincerity and charm they can't exactly be faulted for it. It's like the group discovered a secret unreleased Smiths album from 1983 that they've finally decided to share. "˜Magic Bullets' isn't just a Morrssiey/Marr tribute album, however. There's plenty of that San Francisco sound in there; it's a little bit retro, has a lo-fi vibe, and would feel just right on the same bill as your favorite local psych outfit.

This isn't to say the album is perfect. For a pop group, the mix and recording seem a touch too slapdash. The hint of lo-fi isn't quite pronounced enough to make it worth it, and is an unfortunate diminution the quality of the record. I haven't seen them live, but based on their sound alone, I'd imagine this is one of those bands to see up close and personal. Luckily, all you California folks have the opportunity to see them as they make their way up and down the coast in early July. The final verdict on Magic Bullets? Buy their album, see them live, and let them be your new favorite band.