Words by Katie Macbeth
The Magpie Salute has just released their much anticipated debut studio album, High Water I. Formed by former Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, he continues the story started in the band, along with Guitarist Marc Ford and Bassist Sven Pipien, Lead Vocalist John Hogg, Drummer Joe Magistro and Keyboardist Matt Slocum.
High Water I opens with Mary The Gypsy which really puts the bands instrumental genius at the forefront. With an exceptionally catchy chorus, this is a perfect opener and already leaves you hungry for more.
High Water is increasingly more dramatic than the previous song, taking inspiration from the likes of Nick Drake and Roy Harper and puts John Hogg's vocal ability up front. This track in particular also proves that Rich Robinson's guitar playing is among some of the most credible in recent times.
Send Me An Omen was the first single and it ties together their classic key elements perfectly; rock 'n' roll juxtaposed by pop melodies, mixed with slight melancholy, all amounting to a flawless balance of gloom and luminescence.
For The Wind touches lightly on all of the deep topics of the album, for example boundaries and systems within the music industry. The lyrics hint at how companies in the biz have been flooded with greed, meaning that artists are now told how they can sell more, stunting any creative freedom. Largely acoustic, this song still manages to pack a punch with a heavier, catchy chorus.
The album is a magnificent debut release, surely backed up by an already avid following and this album is only the first chapter of what looks to be a promising future.
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