Magic Arm (aka:Marc Riglesford) Folktronica as we know it.
Magic Arm In Session – 2012 – Past Daily Soundbooth
Magic Arm – in session – BBC 6 Music – November 25, 2012 – BBC 6 Music –
Magic Arm to end the weekend. Also known as Manchester-based Marc Riglesford, Magic Arm has become the epitome of the Bedroom Production. All of his projects so far (ep, singles, Album) have been recorded in his bedroom at home, and this session done at BBC 6 Music in November of 2012 comes around the time of the release of his debut album, Grizzly Bear. An artist who is both hailed and reviled by the press, Riglesford, at least by the sounds of this session, managed to capture quite well what he refers to as Folktronica.
This is nicely engaging stuff. I don’t think the intention is to dance or treat this like an EDM project – it’s expansive and evocative, fitting into a simple yet beautiful soundscape. But it’s contemplative and the word images are riveting.
Variously described as a producer, multi-instrumentalist and visual artist, Riglesford has crafted a highly individual sound which, aside from references to Folktronica, embrace a number of musical styles – there feels like an element of 60s experimentalism in here, while at the same time going in a pop-direction.
Despite the bad reviews, this music is well thought out. And maybe I’m hearing a different side of Riglesford in this BBC session than what his usual material sounds like, I don’t have a frame of reference because I don’t have any of his previous albums or eps to make a comparison. I am willing to go out on a limb and say his material should have a few more listenings before rushing to judgement.
Currently, there are number of artists out there doing multi-instrumental projects on their own – not all of them are successful. But some, like Jacco Gardner, who Magic Arm reminds me of in only the most slight way, are making inroads and changing Electronic music for the better.
Don’t take my word for it – crank it up and give it a listen and see what you think.
Nice one! I’m not sure why the bad reviews either, because I found this session very appealing.
By the way, the album was called Images Rolling, not Grizzly Bear (and can be found on Bandcamp at https://magicarm.bandcamp.com/ for those who want to listen or buy). Apparently Magic Arm and the band Grizzly Bear have a mutual admiration society, which might be where the confusion has crept in.
And thanks for inadvertently leading me to discover the band Grizzly Bear, of whom I had not previously known! They sound pretty good too.
I was also baffled by the review in The Guardian who, more or less said it was a cure for insomnia. And yes, the confusion over the band/album name was due largely to the bio, which I got information from. It wasn’t very clear and it also didn’t link to Bandcamp, or even to a site to buy any of his releases. Thanks for including the Bandcamp link – that’s a big help. And thanks again for your note – it’s appreciated!
G.