The Magic Numbers and Penelope Isles: Brighton Old Market

Opening up for The Magic Numbers at Brighton’s Old Market are a starry-eyed young band called Penelope Isles. Somewhat confusingly none of the band members are called Penelope Isles – but two of them are called Jack. One of the Jacks is the brother of Lily, and then there’s Becky to make up the magic number four.

Penelope Isles have a strong Brighton following, but the hark from the Isle of Man – until now best known as the birthplace of The Bee Gees.

As well as the brother/sister thing, musically they share a lot in common with the Magic Numbers. Tight harmonies, sonic shapes, crafty lyrical hooks, and an ever-changing atmosphere as they wind the tempo up and down to keep the audience engaged throughout their set.

Definitely a band to look out for.

The Magic Numbers themselves need no real introduction or description – they are becoming a perennial mainstay of the touring and festival circuit, and we always hear them referred to in terms such as ‘the best live band I’ve ever seen – and I’ve seen a lot!’ or ‘a genuine slice of summer sunshine.’

You can’t really say any more than that.

However what is worth taking note of is their new album, ‘Outsiders’.

This is a really good listen, and plenty of the new tracks have instantly made it onto the live setlist.

We particularly like the Fleetwood Mac-meets-Florence and the Machine vibe of ‘Shotgun Wedding‘, the baggy Manchester drums of ‘Ride Against the Wind’ and the T-Rex-influences scattered through ‘The Keeper‘.

Other musical references aside, this is far from a derivative album – it’s pure Magic Numbers through and through, and if you are a fan of the band you need it in your collection.