Magnum Dopus - Suburbanova
MAGNUM DOPUS RELEASES NEW WAVE ‘SUBURBANOVA’
Memphis, Tennessee-based post-punk, indie-rock outfit Magnum Dopus released their sophomore album, Suburbanova, not long ago.
Magnum Dopus
Magnum Dopus’ genesis occurred in 2017, when Andrew McCarthy (vocals), and George Cole, whose prior band had just split up, began jamming together. In 2019 they dropped a few singles and three EPs, followed by releasing their debut album, Hizumi, at the end of the year.
2020 saw the band back in the studio, laying down tracks for Suburbanova. The sessions proved to be turbulent, leading to George Cole taking a leave of absence. A new lineup was launched, including McCarthy, Tristan Barton (bass), Sarah Spain (keyboards, vocals), and John Floyd (drums).
Encompassing 10-tracks, entry points on the album include “8PM,” opening on a mid-tempo rhythm flavored with hints of lysergic prog-rock and dewy shimmers of shoegaze. McCarthy’s dreamy vocals give the lyrics auras of pensive textures, soft and haunting.
“The Waiting Game” conjures up memories of the Talking Head, blending indie-rock with vibrating touches of new wave aromas. McCarthy’s voice, reminiscent of David Byrne, pushes out Brit-laced, punk-like timbres, adding to the song’s allure.
I love the “whoo, ooo, ooo” vocalizations, suffusing the tune with glowing sonic tinctures.
A personal favorite, “Scratch & Dent Blonde,” recalls the addictive sound of New Order and The Smiths, rolling out on a cool drum shuffle, followed by skiffing platinum guitars pumping out posh, swanky hues. I love the “whoo, ooo, ooo” vocalizations, suffusing the tune with glowing sonic tinctures.
The oblique, popping rhythm of the title track imbues the track with leitmotifs of new wave, art-pop, shoegaze, and avant-pop aromas. McCarthy’s posh voice infuses the lyrics with luscious brassy textures.
“Be Mine” travels on an amalgamation of ‘80s new wave and darkwave coloration as McCarthy’s vocals remind of Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore inflected with suggestions of David Byrne. Dual sonic layers, one shiny, the other shadowy, give the tune two distinct constituents, with the spectral washes assuming precedence.
On Suburbanova, Magnum Dopus flaunts their unique sound, a delicious melding of new wave, post-punk, and avant-garde dark wave. This is an excellent album, one not to be missed.
