Magnapop - Hot Boxing - Austrialian import CD on Play It Again Sam Records Hot Boxing is the first proper release for the four-piece band Magnapop. Hailing from Atlanta, the band had previously had an independent release. Led by the singing of Linda Hopper, who co-writes the group's material with guitarist Ruthie Morris, Magnapop delivers driving, full-throttle hard-pop, ear candy. Hopper's vocals fall somewhere between Joan Jett and Liz Phair (check out "Texas"). Alt-rock hero Bob Mould produced Hot Boxing and he wisely leaves the songs polished without leaving them slick. The pummeling drumbeats, crunchy guitar riffs, and singalong vocals make for an infectious mix. Nothing on the album is indispensable listening, but tracks like "Slowly Slowly," "Lay It Down," "Free Mud," and "Get It Right" make for an enjoyable and extremely catchy record. |
Magnapop - Rubbing Doesnt Help - Austrialian import CD on Cortex Records For their third album, Magnapop sands away even more of their punk edges, leaving behind a competent, and occasionally engaging, post-grunge pop-punk band. The production on Rubbing Doesn't Help is too big for the songs, with echoing drums and fat, loud guitars, but there are enough strong songs scattered throughout the album to indicate that the group's talent for tuneful yet intense pop hasn't abandoned them. |
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