A&E
Despite an energetic performance, Magic Man at latest coffeehouse lacks authenticity
By Max Newman ’16
February 25, 2016
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Magic Man performed in Tolles Pavilion this past Thursday as part of FebFest and CAB’s Acoustic Coffeehouse series. The rising indie rock band has been under the spotlight since its global hit single “Paris” came out in 2014.
The Boston-based group delivered a highly energetic performance. Lead singer Alex Caplow stood at the very front of the stage for a majority of the concert, which allowed him to consistently engage with the crowd. Frequent engagement with the audience was key to the group’s success, considering its music is highly influenced by dance music—namely catchy hooks and bass-heavy progressions.
Tracks like “Texas” and “Catherine” embody Magic Man’s identity as a modern indie rock group. However, the band’s late entrance into the market has handicapped its ability to create a unique identity. Acts producing music in the genre, such as Grouplove or Walk The Moon, have had established fan bases for quite a few years now. Magic Man’s mediocrity was not due to a lack of talent, but a lack of originality.
This is not to say a show can not be entertaining without originality, yet Magic Man was burdened with the task of entertainment, which CAB did not help accomplish. Despite the show’s lively setlist, CAB decided to include its usual coffee tables in the back of the Annex. The gap created a detachment between the band and the audience members, many of whom were sitting down for the majority of the concert. Caplow may have better-reached more audience members if the setup was more conducive for dancing.
However, Magic Man did deliver two impressive covers. The first, “Your Love,” by The Outfield, brought the crowd back to the 1980s. Magic Man’s cover of “The Middle,” by Jimmy Eat World, however, was much more relatable. This latter cover was so exact, down to the renowned guitar solo, that in this case originality was irrelevant.
All in all, the Coffeehouse was a success. The turnout was impressive, and the band engaged with the crowd. For this music critic, however, the band’s lack of originality signals concerns for its future.