Norfolk legends Magoo make return

By Amy Wilkes
BBC Blast Reporter, Norfolk

Magoo discuss their sixth album at The Sickroom studio in King's Lynn

Renowned local band Magoo is making an anticipated comeback with their sixth album, due for release early 2010.

To celebrate, the replenished line-up played new material at the Norwich Arts Centre on 4 September, 2009.

"It's our first Norwich appearance in two years; it's going to be a big gig," said Stacy, Magoo's drummer, prior to the event.

The group, who were at the height of their national success in the 1990s, say they could never stop making music.

Like most of Magoo's other releases, the new album was recorded at guitarist Owen's studio The Sickroom, near King's Lynn.

"We built a new building which got us really excited about making the album," said Stacy.

The band say this album is a change from the dance influenced, digitised sound of the last album, The All Electric Amusement Arcade.

"We really stripped it down and went back to basics," said Stacy.

The Sickroom has kept the band in touch with the music scene in Norfolk, as many musicians are eager to record there.

Although now older than many of the current bands in the area, the members of Magoo still try to attend gigs when they can.

"It's a shame that Norwich still isn't on the national map. There certainly seems to be a lot going on; a lot of people in a lot of bands," said Stacy.

Whilst the studios maintain their local notoriety, it was in the late 1990s that the band experienced national popularity.

The 1990s saw them gaining interest from major labels as well as playing the New Stage at Glastonbury Festival 1998. They also played seven John Peel sessions, as well as, more recently, a session for BBC Radio One's Rob Da Bank.

10 years

Reflecting on his 10 years with the band, Stacy thinks the music industry has changed.

"There aren't the same opportunities. You have to play for the joy of it and be determined to make a good product," said Stacy.

"We're not trying to make a living out of it or be famous, we just enjoy doing it," he said.

With their bass player Jen taking some time out to travel, the group has teamed up with Dave from former band Kaito, another of Norfolk's indie success stories, to develop their new sound.

"Dave takes our songs and makes them sound extraordinary," said Stacy.

Magoo previewed their new album at the Norwich Arts Centre

Norfolk's younger bands, such as The Brownies, today quote Magoo as a strong influence as they strive to achieve a similar status.

In order to create a buzz around their new album, the members of Magoo are giving interviews, filming at their studio and on Friday, 28 August, 2009, they presented BBC Norfolk Introducing.

Magoo also played a gig at the Norwich Arts Centre on Friday, 4 September, 2009, and chose two local bands to support them - the twee and charming The Middle Ones and the contrastingly brash Cruiser Chimps.

The gig was set to be a popular choice for Norfolk's music fans. Aware of this, Magoo was preparing to make it a night to remember.

"We'll be previewing our new stuff and there's a sweetener for the first 50 people through the door!" said Stacy, prior to the event.