MenuBIOGRAPHY as of February, 2010:
Obsessed with live sound manipulation, MAGICAL BEAUTIFUL (Chicago, IL) are peerless in their cosmic exploration of dub reggae, motorik & synth pop. Though the music is unique, it feels natural, whether its a ten-minute song that's been meticulously studio-ed for years or an evening-long set of full group electro-acoustic improvisation. Theirs is the the sound that appears between wake and sleep.
Led by Tyson Torstensen's keyboard wizardry & striking baritone, Magical Beautiful's songwriting follows the magic realism of dreams, exploring memories of strange, religious ceremony; tourism; family; and cultural defamation. Sonic inspiration is drawn from the genius studio explorations of Joe Meek, Bruce Haack & Brian Eno, as well as the constant song reinvention of Jamaican dub mixers & dancehall producers, particularly Lloyd "Bullwackie" Barnes, Keith Hudson and Kings Tubby & Jammy.
While 3/4 of the band are formally-trained musicians, their music is approached through the unafraid spirit of DIY punk. Nick Broste's reputation as a go-to trombonist (as comfortable on the local improv scene as with Wilco, TV On The Radio, Spoon, Jarvis Cocker, & more), is subverted as he focuses on electric organs & treated horn washes. Charlie Vinz will make a beautiful noise with any instrument he is handed - here, his baritone guitar & banjo emerge from their celestial swamp to take triumphant solos in instrumental breaks. Alance Ward, like a post-punk Sly Dunbar, creates a new rhythm, darting in-and-around Torstensen's programmed beats; keeping our heads nodding & heart-rates high.
Their tools are average by today's standards - what sets a live Magical Beautiful set apart is the musicians' unique ability to aggressively manipulate sound. That, along with their innate sense for hidden hooks, heavy rhythm, vivid imagery, and a brave, emotional forthrightness has earned them a loyal Chicago audience. Their talents have not gone unnoticed - all four members are often recruited as touring & studio players, and they will act as both openers & backing musicians for Casiotone For The Painfully Alone in spring, 2010.
With close to ten low-circulation releases in four years, Magical Beautiful have additional hours of recordings fermenting for future release on their own I Hear A New World label.
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For a complete discography, click here. For a list of people that have played with Magical Beautiful, click here.
"Funny" promotional piece for the "Right Rock" EP (2008) written by Torstensen and Owen Ashworth can be read here.
"Post-modern"-style promotional piece for the first, self-titled album (2006) written by Blastitude's Larry Dolman can be read here.
