A duo who first linked up through Myspace while living on opposite sides of the country, now with their third album out, Chris and Dexy Valentine, AKA Magic Wands, have become a dream pop outfit with plenty of depth and talent.
Heavy on the hazy side with plenty of post-punk and new wave elements, there’s a spacey influence both musically and lyrically. Often referring to their sound as “Lovewave,” while some songs are sonically challenging with dense melody, others are light and dance-friendly electro-pop, though everything does feel intimate, attached, and with a longing sentiment.
Comparisons to Beach House are unavoidable here, but there’s a darker atmosphere that points towards goth and psych influences as well, and this record will sit well with fans of The Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, too.
