Ovations

2009 release. Recorded May through August of 2009 by Gareth Parton at his petite La Planque studio and the Fortress in London, Ovations is the Anglo-French group's 10th album proper. Typically for a Piano Magic record, it's a restless beast; a record that swings wildly between Marrakesh, Eastern Europe, Sevilla and early '80s Manchester without breaking a sweat. Piano Magic have always worn their influences on their sleeves. The Chameleons, Joy Division and the Cure rub shoulders with Turkish darabuka, hammered dulcimer, viola, cello, flamenco claps. Elsewhere there are cold analogue synths, chiming guitars, mournful piano and industrial percussion.