I saw MAGNET a couple of years ago supporting Bebel Gilberto at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Aside from the accomplishment of his solo performance the other diverting feature of his set was the bemused looks on the faces of most of the audience, one or two of whom decided to seek refuge in the bar unable to cope with Even Johansen’s brooding melancholia, an approach significantly out of step with Gilberto’s radiant but equally captivating act.
Track 2 of this CD single ‘The Mute’ has an Easy Listening atmosphere that would perhaps go some way to appeasing listeners not attuned to large doses of personal introspection. However, Johansen’s voice cannot disguise the air of resignation that aligns him more with Damon Gough rather than Jamie Cullum. Main cut ‘Hold On’ comes from his second album ‘The Tourniquet’ which has failed to capture the imagination of critics in the same way as his debut ‘On Your Side’. No matter as it is an exceptional song in its own right.
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Underpinned by a plucked banjo and rising electronica it moves seamlessly from a slow brooding verse to an uplifting chorus worthy of the epic euphoria that U2 generate on their better days. My good will towards Johnassen is increased by his decision to close the track with a nod to the harmonies of The Beach Boys. As with all good music ‘Hold On’ reveals its worth slowly and meaningfully with each new play. Of the remaining tracks ‘Grinder’ retains the artist’s idiosyncratic experimentation, employing dub for the track’s heartbeat, while ‘Good Morning’ prefers a backdrop of icy acoustic-led balladry, like Radiohead performing a Roddy Frame song.
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