Album: Escape From the Shadow Garden (2014)
Genre: Hard Rock (AOR/Art Rock/Prog) / UK
Over the course of a career extending to almost four decades Magnum remains a band that has rarely disappointed. There has always been a refreshing honesty about the Brummies that rose from playing the clubs and pubs of the English Midlands in the mid-1970's to the giddy heights of packing out arenas by the end of the 80's. From their spellbinding debut Kingdom of Madness (1978) through the delights of the Jeff Glixman produced Chase The Dragon (1982) and landmark On A Storyteller's Night (1985), Magnum saw their fan base swell but remained a band that were just as happy to rub shoulders with their audience at the bar as they were wowing the masses at the Monsters of Rock festival. When guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin called time in the mid-90's it left a hole that was impossible to fill until, together with vocalist Bob Catley, the pair realised that Magnum had unfinished business and re-launched the band for the twenty first century. A succession of majestic albums has followed since then and Escape from the Shadow Garden might just be the finest one yet. Right from the off this looks and feels like a Magnum classic, from the archetypal Rodney Matthews inked cover artwork to the windswept introduction provided by keyboardist Mark Stanway that ushers in 'Live 'Til You Die'. And from the moment Uncle Bob sings the opening line he can simply do no wrong; one of the most underrated vocalists of his generation Catley took his inspiration from the great singers of the 60's and has consistently proven himself worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as his heroes. 'Midnight Angel' has that heartfelt sincerity that could only have flowed from the pen of Tony Clarkin, who's skills as a songwriter mature like a wine of the very finest vintage. Solemn, melancholy and austere, 'The Art of Compromise' continues in the tradition of Clarkin's songs having a story to tell, his words brought to life as only Catley can. 'Wisdom's Had Its Day' combines power, pomp and melody and it all seems so effortless and yet, as every fan knows, Clarkin pours his heart and soul into writing every note and word. 'Too Many Clowns' and 'Burning River' are the type of rock solid Magnum barn burners that their audience loves so well, blending chugging riffs and an insistent chorus set to a mid-tempo gallop. And having been responsible for some of the most stirring power ballads of the last thirty-odd years it is hardly surprising that Clarkin can still come up with songs as emotional and moving as 'Don't Fall Asleep' and the closing 'The Valley of Tears', both of which deliver the enduring Magnum message of struggle, faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. Seventeen studio albums in, Magnum continue to delight. Escape from the Shadow Garden is yet another triumph from one of the UK's most beloved and cherished hard rock bands.
Review by "Dean Pedley" (www.seaoftranquility.org).
RATING: 8.5 / 10 **GREAT**
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Genre: Hard Rock (AOR/Art Rock/Prog) / UK
Over the course of a career extending to almost four decades Magnum remains a band that has rarely disappointed. There has always been a refreshing honesty about the Brummies that rose from playing the clubs and pubs of the English Midlands in the mid-1970's to the giddy heights of packing out arenas by the end of the 80's. From their spellbinding debut Kingdom of Madness (1978) through the delights of the Jeff Glixman produced Chase The Dragon (1982) and landmark On A Storyteller's Night (1985), Magnum saw their fan base swell but remained a band that were just as happy to rub shoulders with their audience at the bar as they were wowing the masses at the Monsters of Rock festival. When guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin called time in the mid-90's it left a hole that was impossible to fill until, together with vocalist Bob Catley, the pair realised that Magnum had unfinished business and re-launched the band for the twenty first century. A succession of majestic albums has followed since then and Escape from the Shadow Garden might just be the finest one yet. Right from the off this looks and feels like a Magnum classic, from the archetypal Rodney Matthews inked cover artwork to the windswept introduction provided by keyboardist Mark Stanway that ushers in 'Live 'Til You Die'. And from the moment Uncle Bob sings the opening line he can simply do no wrong; one of the most underrated vocalists of his generation Catley took his inspiration from the great singers of the 60's and has consistently proven himself worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as his heroes. 'Midnight Angel' has that heartfelt sincerity that could only have flowed from the pen of Tony Clarkin, who's skills as a songwriter mature like a wine of the very finest vintage. Solemn, melancholy and austere, 'The Art of Compromise' continues in the tradition of Clarkin's songs having a story to tell, his words brought to life as only Catley can. 'Wisdom's Had Its Day' combines power, pomp and melody and it all seems so effortless and yet, as every fan knows, Clarkin pours his heart and soul into writing every note and word. 'Too Many Clowns' and 'Burning River' are the type of rock solid Magnum barn burners that their audience loves so well, blending chugging riffs and an insistent chorus set to a mid-tempo gallop. And having been responsible for some of the most stirring power ballads of the last thirty-odd years it is hardly surprising that Clarkin can still come up with songs as emotional and moving as 'Don't Fall Asleep' and the closing 'The Valley of Tears', both of which deliver the enduring Magnum message of struggle, faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. Seventeen studio albums in, Magnum continue to delight. Escape from the Shadow Garden is yet another triumph from one of the UK's most beloved and cherished hard rock bands.
Review by "Dean Pedley" (www.seaoftranquility.org).
RATING: 8.5 / 10 **GREAT**
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