MAGIC PIE – Fragments Of The 5th Element (2019)

One of the most consistent bands in current prog is MAGIC PIE. Released today, “Fragments Of The 5th Element” continues their tradition of what I call ‘edgy prog rock’. Oft times, prog rock misses the “rock” part. Magic Pie walk the line between prog rock and even hard rock but never quite get too groovy. Magic Pie are what I call “listenable” in that there’s never a wrong time to put them on. A “go-to” band if you will.

“Fragments of the 5th Element” starts with a powerhouse opener in “The Man Who Had It All”, a rocking piece with some wild time signatures. The riff laden “P&C” is like Deep Purple jamming with Spock’s Beard, and I love it..
Running 4 minutes, “Table for Two” is another one of those radio ready songs that Magic Pie are known for. Yeah, this one easily could made it into Classic Rock radio, with some Donnie Vie on it.

“Touched by an Angel” even adds a bluesy element, with a sweet guitar work at the beginning. It’s a semi balllas plenty of emotion, again, very melodic.
Then the album closes with the epic “The Hedonist”, which has it all. consisting of various parts, there’s hard rock (with lovely Hammond runs) recalling vintage Magnum, prog, acoustic elements, and lots of harmony vocals.

If you don’t know Magic Pie, “Fragments of the 5th Element” is a great introduction to this fine band. There’s something for everyone here, for fans of all genres. Musicianship and production are top notch of course.
Highly Recommended

 

01 – The Man Who Had It All
02 – P & C
03 – Table for Two
04 – Touched by an Angel
05 – The Hedonist

Kim Stenberg – guitars and vocals
Eirikur Hauksson (Ken Hensley, Kerrs Pink) – lead vocals
Erling Henanger – keyboards and backing vocals
Eirik Hanssen – vocals
Lars Petter Holstad – bass and backing vocals
Jan T. Johannessen – drums

 

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www.amazon.co.uk/Fragments-5th-Element-Magic-Pie/dp/B07S86L55T