RIP Magic release new single “5words”
RIP Magic has turned a lot of heads over the last couple of years. For me, this happened when I was out for a walk one day, headphones on, and I stumbled across their songs “Loot” and “Dox”, which were released last year. These tunes instantly stood out for me as a confident blend of grungy riffs, versatile drumming and wonderful electro with a sleazy vocal lead. I was reminded of the disquieting but arresting sound of Nine Inch Nails as much as some hits from the bustling indietronica scene of the 2000s and early 2010s. What defined these tunes was unpredictability.
“5words” maintains this same inventiveness, occasionally breaking its stride to careen off into a new mishmash of instrumentals. The base strums along with curiosity, conjuring a cold wave mood akin to Kino or Joy Division that synergises with the livelier synths. This creates an interesting absence of defined rhythm that keeps you hooked, which I recognise with respect as I think music, and art in general, should strive to upset expectations.
Within the latter half of the song, this commitment to an unclear momentum pays off. The vocals have largely been hitting the same mark repeatedly, which imbues the song with tension and prepares the journey for a big payoff. The drums pick up, the vocals take off, the synths multiply and the riffs unleash all that carefully restrained energy.
As much as I loved “Loot” and “Dox”, “5words” is a stronger swing that builds on its predecessor’s magic, a track produced by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy. It’s what you’d expect from a band on the rise, about to support Fcukers on their North American tour while getting complimentary nods from the likes of Chanel Beads and Tyler, the Creator. If you’re a fan of experimental Electro-Punk/Indie, then RIP Magic sure is a band to keep an eye on.
Stream “5words” below:
