Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man

Magnetic Man is widely regarded as dubsteps’ first supergroup featuring three of the games’ massive solo artists – Skream (known for his influential part in aiding the rise of the dubstep genre), Benga and Artwork. The group have been playing live shows since early 2008 and have recently released their self-titled debut album. Fans of many different genres have taken the release to heart, propelling the trio’s first album release to number one as well as creating a huge surge in popularity for both the artist and the genre.

‘Flying Into Tokyo’ , boasting hypnotic operatic violins , is a melancholic awakener and prepares listeners for the rest of the album. Quirkily, the classy infused opener merges into a provocative mc-ing performance by Ms Dynamite taking a complete mood turn with ‘Fire’. The hit single and gargantuan stadium-destined monster of a tune ‘I Need Air’ chased by ‘Anthemic’, which appropriately features euphoric, anthemic keys layered with a filthy, deep bassline throughout.

‘The Bug’ drags ‘Anthemic’s highs to ridiculous lows; a dark and sinister stand out track within which both beat and vocals are creepily scary. ‘Ping Pong’ has a pleasant plinky-plonk rhythm, blending into the strong vocals of ‘Perfect Stranger’ featuring newly famed dubstep star Katy B who’s unconventional (for the genre) voice mixed with drum ‘n’ bass drums is an extremely refreshing surprise. ‘Mad’ is a solid, speechless bass-riddled wonder, however ‘Boiling Water’ is prominently auto-tuned and compares poorly to the similarly composed ‘Perfect Stranger’. ‘K Dance’ sounds like a horrific nightmare after which we are awoken by Katy B’s second appearance in the seductive ‘Crossover’. ‘Box of Ghosts’ features calm synthesized organs followed by the penultimate track ‘Karma Crazy’, a womp ladened corker. Finally ‘Getting Nowhere’ ends the proceedings gently, with guest John Legends’ mellow voice.

The thing with this debut is the ridiculously wide appeal it carries. Not every song is mind-blowing, as with most albums - each listener picks out their favourites. Even though some tracks might be less effective, they join the bigger songs like cement between bricks to create a dub superhouse, furnished with highs and lows that the majority of albums and artists fail to reach. Did someone mention ‘supergroup’ status already?

- Charlie Cooper.