Synthpop stormers Magnetic Skies release debut album ‘Empire Falling’

November 5, 2023
UK Music News
by Desh Kapur UK-Editor/Photographer

MAGNETIC SKIES

SYNTHPOP BAND’S NEW SINGLE ‘NOT A FIRE’

OUT NOW WITH RELEASE OF

DEBUT ALBUM ‘EMPIRE FALLING’

To celebrate the release of their colossal debut album Empire Falling, synthpop outfit Magnetic Skies will be release lead single ‘Not A Fire’ alongside.

Described by frontman Simon Kent as a love song, his assured vocals carry the emotion of the track with ease, while keyboardist Jo Womar’s vocals also appear in the chorus for extra emphasis. With the band’s trademark maximalist edge to their music on show, the new single is a thrilling final glimpse into what to expect from the debut album. Watch the video here

Initially setting out as a duo in 2019, Magnetic Skies was born as a studio-based project created by lead vocalist and keys player Simon Kent and Jo Womar also on keys, driven by a shared love of 80s synth-driven post-punk. They began building their sound and continually released EPs throughout 2020 – here, the seeds were sown with pulsing, vintage analogue synths and pumping bass to create a signature sound of evocative electronica mixed with darkwave, classic yet delightfully futuristic all at once. Eventually, the band began performing live, which led to guitarist Carlos Aguilar and drummer Lenin Alegria joining the lineup, and this is the group who have created the band’s long awaited full-length release Empire Falling, out 3rd November. Production and mixing on the album were predominantly carried out in-house by Kent, with additional mixing duties performed by Rob Aubrey (sound engineer for Big Big Train/Asia/Tony Levin).

Simon Kent (frontman) – ‘The album is reflective, poetic, and it takes you on a journey lyrically, and in mood from sad nostalgia through to happiness and euphoria. I hope the listener can relate to the sounds and lyrics, find some connection on a personal level – I’d like to move them in an emotional way. It’s nice to close the opening chapter on the band and capture the songs that evolved as the band came together from a duo to a 4-piece, and while we were learning how to work together.’

Following the band’s beginnings, they continued to hone their live craft – the last couple of years have seen Magnetic Skies supporting sell-out shows for Altered Images, Heaven 17, Empathy Test and ACTORS, and releasing more singles in the run up to the release of their debut album. Among these was a collaboration with BBC 6Music favourites The KVB, resulting in more than 1,000 plays on Amazing Radio in the UK & USA. Three songs were also included on the BBC Radio “Fresh On The Net” mixtape playlists. With their 2023 single releases, Magnetic Skies have gained support from Louder Than War, God is In The TV, When The Horn Blows, RGM and Backseat Mafia among many others. The band are also included on two influential compilations of leading electronic artists from around the globe in the Generation Blitz series, “Concrete And Chrome” and “Generation Blitz Extended”.

Their debut album Empire Falling is out now! Listen here.

CATCH MAGNETIC SKIES LIVE:

Sun 19th November – The Lexington, London (supporting B-Movie)

Sat 25th November – The Winchester Gate, Salisbury

FIND MAGNETIC SKIES ONLINE:

Desh Kapur UK-Editor/Photographer

My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago

Synthpop stormers Magnetic Skies release debut album ‘Empire Falling’

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