The Aquarian gives “The Snow Magic” a B!
from the print edition of The Aquarian (no online version available, you’ll have to take our word for it!):
Dark Dark Dark
The Snow Magic
Blood Onion Records
It seems old world carnivals and New Orleans have met in Minnesota. With melodies reminiscent of Beirut’s European themes, Dark Dark Dark’s debut album is unharmonious and unpolished, but it still manages to work.
Starting with “Ashes,” a raucous circus song with accordion, cello and piano, a banjo then attacks the album and the sound becomes oppressive. Surprisingly, that song gives way to “Benefit Of The Doubt,” a simple acoustic song which is a relief to the ears. The remainder of the album alternates between that folk festival theme and light acoustic songs, though the transition isn’t quite seamless. Besides a random cymbal clash or snare drum, the lack of percussion was a smart choice, as it doesn’t clutter the already complex sound. Nona Marie Invie’s vocals, usually haunting, can border on off-pitch when she reaches the high octaves, taking away from the melody. More endearing is the other vocalist, Marshall LaCount’s, atonal voice.
Completely different from and hidden by the lighthearted music are the wonderfully written lyrics filled with death, loneliness and the Minnesota winter like in “Dig A Grave.” In other words, refer to the band name. Though seemingly abrasive at first, the album grows on you and the charming songs will get stuck in your head and have you humming along in no time.
In A Word: Dark
Grade: B
—by Francesca Baratta
