Live Review: The Magic Numbers - Regal Theatre, Stowmarket 14/05/2018
The Magic Numbers are currently on their ‘Outsiders’ UK tour; we caught up with them on night four in Redruth, Cornwall.
The venue itself stunned us all on arrival, with the gig taking place inside a cinema, a unique yet quirky experience to have your entire audience sat eating popcorn and pick and mix whilst playing a set. The Regal Theatre itself is an incredible old theatre, with unique features and huge staging. The venue was very busy from the off, however due to the awkwardness of the staging it was hard for people to properly be able to move as they wanted to such a fun and upbeat variety of bands.
Penelope Isles were first to kick the gig off, performing an absolute blinder of a set. This gig for them was a hometown gig, with true Cornish roots. ‘Cut Your Hair’ was a blinder of a song and one for me which I will always remember. The sound of this particular band is that of a haunting yet hypnotic, a dreamlike state. The band comprises of siblings Jack and Lily Wolter, as well as Becky Redford and Jack Sowton. The Magic Numbers are one of Penelope Isles inspirations and you could completely tell when seeing them perform. They were truly excited about their set and it was such a thrill to witness. When their set finished the crowd were completely satisfied, with such a huge uproar from the audience you could tell that this band could have played for hours more and their music would have been lapped up.
The Magic Numbers took to the stage around 10pm and played an absolute blinder of a set. For anyone who enjoys both country and rock music then this band are one for you. With the crowd moving down to the front dance area, there was a delightful atmosphere amongst all that were there. The age demographic varied hugely, however it was so wonderful to see the audience hanging on every single word. The Magic Numbers had a great stage presence, with there being a joyful chatter amongst the band and audience. They stated how the venue was one of the strangest that they had ever played, with them being unable to see half the audience due to the dark tiered seating. The four-piece band comprising of two sets of siblings were joined for their last song (prior to the encore) by none other than Lily from Penelope Isles, who had the audience captivated by her performance on the Saxophone.
It is safe to say that the crowd were devastated for the gig to close to an end. If you have not listened to The Magic Numbers latest album then definitely pick it up, it contains some absolute crackers.
Words and Photography by Em Marcovecchio