Magic Arm – Make Lists Do Something

Chris Long
BBC Manchester

Magic Arm

Back when The Ting Tings burst out with the catchy That's Not My Name, their then label Switchflicker also released Magic Arm's debut EP.

It didn't produce the same nationwide tumult that the Salford duo did.

That isn't because it wasn't as good as Katie and Jules' opening salvo, but because Magic Arm didn't shout as loudly about it.

In truth, for those who heard it, it was every bit as exciting and enthralling.

Two years on, the lead track, Outdoor Games, still sounds swoonsome nestled in the charismatic wonder of his debut album, Make Lists Do Something - and it is far from alone in its beauty or charm.

The album is overflowing with understated, iridescent tunes, most as gentle and measured as their creator - and therein lies the brilliance of Magic Arm's work. Where others bellow, he carries on calmly, waiting for the world to pipe down, sit back and wonder at his songs.

That isn't to say that the album is unassuming. Both singles, Widths and Heights and Bootsy Bootsy, have toe-tapping bite, People Need Order is two steps away from his 'folktronica' label and two steps closer to the dancefloor, and the cover of LCD Soundsystem's Daft Punk Is Playing At My House is as jaunty as it is jovial.

But it is the subtler moments that steal the show, as alongside the stunning Outdoor Games, the meandering country heartbreak of Six Cold Feet Of Ground and the closing swell of Sound Of The Night are equally enchanting.

Indeed, Make Lists Do Something's only disappointment is that his other great cover - of Serge Gainsbourg's Ballad Of Melody Nelson - isn't on it, but then you can't have everything and across 13 belting tracks, Magic Arm has given more than enough to satisfy.

Magic Arm's Make Lists Do Something is out on Switchflicker / Peacefrog