Review: Slow Magic - How To Run Away
By Sammi Nelson, Blogs Editor
[Downtown Records; 2014]
Rating: 6.5/10
Key Tracks: “Hold Still,” "Girls"
On Slow Magic’s Facebook page, the solo artist claims his music “is the sound made by an unknown imaginary friend.” To be completely honest, he’s not far from the truth.
Slow Magic earns his name through the music he creates. Since 2012, the artist has produced tracks of contemporary, slow electronica that’s been likened to a gentler version of Deadmau5.
How to Run Away is Slow Magic’s sophomore album, following 2012's Triangle. Popular songs such as “Corvette Cassette” and “Feel Flows” are a few tracks from the debut album which gained some traction.
Slow Magic undoubtedly has had a great start with producing music. The producer has collaborated with artists such as Sun Glitters and XXYYXX on creating several remixes of songs.
How to Run Away has many of the elements that Slow Magic’s sound initially contained but also features multiple new twists. The artist is clearly not afraid of implementing innovative adjustments to his sound. While many of his experiments are on point, there are a few that don’t exactly hit the mark.
How to Run Away begins with a jazz-tinted electronic tune “Still Life,” which is vaguely reminiscent to a "Sonic the Hedgehog" soundtrack. While it gives the album a buoyant vibe, it is not exactly Slow Magic. Now, of course the artist is still relatively young and likes to toy with his sound, but it’s not a fresh noise. The next track only slightly makes up for the weak beginning.
“Girls” has an upbeat and vibrant ambiance that distinguishes itself as a strong electronic tune. It’s not an innovative production, but its sound is similar to the type of music Slow Magic produced with his first album and will satisfy veteran fans.
The album continues with an established sound that is capable of mystifying its listeners. It’s great trance music, perfect for background sound during a kick-it or mingling music at a larger gathering.
“Hold Still” is definitely a hit and undoubtedly the best track on the entire collection. It delivers a fresh, relaxing sound that builds into a hyped electronic sound that booms and reverberates through a room. It even includes the same jazz element that Slow Magic introduced the album with, but unlike “Still Life,” “Hold Still” actually captures the experimentation and works well with it.
How to Run Away may have its ups and downs, but it is definitely an album that is worth a listen. Its funky synthetic dips and hypnotic intervals produce a sound that is bound to appeal to a grand variety of electronic music fans.
