MAGNET is Even Johansen, a quiet gentle Norwegian fellow who now resides in bonny Scotland. He got the name, from when he was diagnosed anaemic, and was later tattooed with a Magnet on his arm by one of his father's "special" rock n roll doctors. When he woke up he was was on his road to recovery. A wonderful romantic tale to go with a very smooth, romantic sounding outfit.
The place was Southend (Sarffend if your an Essexonian), home of RS Turbo's, chip butties, Bombay roll-mops, geezers and a lot of wankers really. But none of that was present at this tiny frontroom venue.
When the band came on, no more than 20 people were present stagefront. My friend Bob and I had to be quiet as we thought we could easily have interrupted them: a surreal scenario at a gig. But there was lovely mellow vibe about the place, with a great sound and it soon hooked us in.
I must admit, being somewhat of a Magnet novice (only hearing "Lay Lady Lay" with Gemma Hayes, great cover I must say), I just couldnt help but smile along with each tune. They completed a half hour set to a quietly swelling crowd of no more than 60, and coasted along beautifully. If you can cut me this much slack, it was the equivalent of boating on a summers day in the Serpentine, carefree and joyous & with no real effort involved. Magnet are a complete unit, playing as if they could have done this set blindfolded and earmuffed. And that's meant as a compliment.
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Magnet conjure up a rich, euphoric sound, using an array of soft sounds, choral harmononies and bitter-tinged lullabies. Electrifying and immensely graceful, they prove a most enjoyable way to kick off any evening's proceedings.
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