Here We Go Magic – Pigeons : Album Reviews

Once again, my computer screen leers at me with all the pressure of an examiner peering over your shoulder at your empty page. The second album from Brooklyn indie band Here We Go Magic, Pigeons, is a tough record to get through. From the ringy guitars and astral synths to frontman Luke Temple’s mostly bony vocals, it’s an album spilling over with decent enough ideas that don’t pan out, like Communism, or a 2am McDonald’s run.

Hibernation opens the album with squirmy funk bass and ethereal vocals. Its jittery, bleepy keys, changes and speed make me feel like HWGM have ADHD; it’s a sub-par opener with not enough meat to grab the attention of a new listener.

Pitchfork-approved single Collector is a jangly driver; spacey and super energetic. It keeps the forward momentum going long enough to rustle some interest in the record. It is followed by the synth-full and light Casual and the psych-rock of Surprise.

Old World United is another track bursting with synth and catchy guitar lines. It’s definitely hookier than the rest of the album thus far (“Take, take, take what you want to”) and would make a great single, for those keen on something with a little more ‘zing’, or some other nonsensical term for energy.

F.F.A.P (tee hee) slows the album down to a longing ballad tone. I will applaud HWGM for their use of unusual sound and instrument use which, although occasionally seems out-of-place, here sounds divine.

The album ends with the worldly Herbie I Love You, Now I Know; a two-and-a-half minute expectoration of varying buzzes, bleeps and drums. It’s the perfect aural representation of the band: intricate yet simple.

While Here We Go Magic aren’t breaking any new ground with Pigeons, this should appeal to fans of similar New York indie bands. Let me know what you think, eh?