| |
Magnuson plays Solloto
Magnuson, a Star Rising?
By J.D. Hawk
One week after performing before celebrities at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas, the
San Diego based rock band "Magnuson" gave a special performance for their
core supporters in Chula Vista at EastLake's Caffe Solotto on December 13. "You're
supposed to make eye contact and be all flirty," Greg Magnuson, group founder,
said about his engaging style of performance.
But Magnuson's "flirting" in Las Vegas happened to be with a girl in the
front row wearing heavy eye make-up, somebody with an impressive entourage. Her name?
Paris Hilton. She was accompanied by rock stars Tommy Lee and Pink and they stayed
for the group's complete performance. Magnuson said he enjoyed wooing her from the
stage but claims he didn't know who she was at the time and stopped short of formal
introductions. "She had a lot of very big body guards," he said.
The home town crowd was delighted to hear the story but really came to hear the group's
alternative music, which some have compared to Radiohead, Tool and The Cure.
But to classify Magnuson isn't easy. With their cryptic lyrics based in apocalyptic
doctrine, one may need to have a background in both the biblical book of Revelation
and secret society conspiracy theories. Beware, the anti-christ is here and he wants
to put a computer chip into your hand (sign of the beast). The cover of their CD
even has a giant bar code on the front alluding to that theory. But the group is
more than one dimensional, singing of love--or rather, love gone bad, stalking and
occasionally cursing and swearing to emphasize a point. This may throw a curve ball
to anyone about to classify them as Christian Rock. "This is what evokes the
emotion and this is what I want to say. Maybe we should make it more palatable. But
it is what it is," Magnuson said with artistic pride.
Magnuson said, however, that the words are secondary to the music itself and refused
any definite labels, perhaps out of marketing savvy or just as likely, because the
group is still being defined. Yes, they are good, they are confident, they work together
smoothly but do they have an identity? Some have simply put them in a box called
"Otherworldly", a word that also appears in their press release packet.
But...
Greg Magnuson: "Otherworldly? I don't think I know what that means. It's kind
of New Wavy, but with some angry punk."
Backup singer Kyrsten Hopkins: "No! It's Alternative Rock!"
Greg Magnuson: "It's Alternative Punk."
Kyrsten Hopkins: "No, it's not Punk at all!"
Greg Magnuson: "We're not the typical Punk band, Alternative or Grunge band.
We don't even listen to Grunge... Progressive? We are Edge Rock because we cover
such a broad emotional spectrum."
Kyrsten Hopkins : "Ah yes. Beautiful."
Even if they decide to call themselves Polka, the overriding themes of doom, desperation
and anger are what resonate in the troubling words. They bite you, gnawing at your
sense of security, pushing out of your comfort zone while the soothing rhythm pulls
you back in, lulling the you into a blissful sense of mesmerizing melancholy . Yes,
it's the end of the world, but it's so oddly fantastic! Helicopter sounds are heard
in the background... Are they coming to get you? Is this Orson Wells' 1984? Here
comes the chopper to chop off your head! Background news reporters are heard discussing
Israel's Six Day War, a milestone in end-of-the-world prophecy. It doesn't matter,
though, because shaggy Mark Loggins, lead guitarist, is breaking out that ebow, making
an eerie whine. Sleek Kyrsten Hopkins, backup vocals, gives a haunted smile. Is she
flirting, or merely engaging the audience. Anxiety dissipates. Matt Guthrie, drummer
and group dynamo, spins his sticks, showing off. Guthrie could care less that the
anti-christ is lurking around because he's in a happy-go-lucky mode. Finally a very
laid back Carl Muheim, bass guitar, hides in the shadows, seemingly unconcerned with
any attention. Upstaging is the last thing on his mind--he's cool, almost secretive.
Does he have a warrant out for his arrest?
Closing out the performance at Cafe Solloto, Magnuson gives a thanks to his loyal
following, lets them know about where the next concert will be held and remembers
to leave them always wanting more. "Next time we all perform naked," he
promised.
To hear the music of Magnuson, go to www.magnusonband.com.
Contact J.D. Hawk |
|
