Review Summary: An intense and varied introduction to an up-and-coming noise punk sensation out of Richmond, VA.
The first LP to come from
The Magic Fountain, features a shredding and eclectic sound worthy of your anger towards, like, everything. Coming out of Richmond, Virginia, The Magic Fountain LP is an underappreciated hero of extremely screamable lo-fi noise punk. Sounds on the album range from the pure unadulterated rage of Virginia Sex Riot! [sic] to the sadistic and charming Mr. Kramer, usually one right after the other keeping the listener engaged on a roller coaster of emotional waves that are perhaps reminiscent of hectic grade school drama.
Not to belittle the topics discussed in the subjects of these songs, of course. It gets quite heavy, and often the most crushing lines are the ones worth screaming out at the top of your lungs while speeding on the highway. Topics can be dark and perhaps triggering for some, but first and foremost it is strikingly from a place of intense feelings regarding gender fluidity and abusive relationships of varying levels. The lines I found to be the most sing/shout-along worthy:
- "Come and dance with me! Come and dance with me! Nobody dances anymore and that's a tragedy!"
- "... every boy who told me that they wanted me only wanted me to give 'em head"
- "...and when you come to New York City darling, we're gonna burn the ***hole to the ground."
The occasional use of noise and samples really assists this collection as well, with an excerpt from Steven Universe (a show on Cartoon Network) serving as the perfect preface for the whiplash of noise that is Glamscum's First Communion. I can't accurately describe it, you just have to listen to it.
I am extremely excited to see where The Magic Fountain goes next, and since this album's release there has also been a remix album of the self titled LP published on their bandcamp page that is worth checking out if you're into unorthodox beats and intricate headspaces.
Best Track: They
Worst Track: They're all pretty ***in' good. But since I have to choose.... I Wanna Be A Cop
Listen To While: Driving very fast or plotting an excellent revenge
