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http://www.senbaltimore.com/blogs/agt/agt_reviews/the-alphabetical-order---i-am-magically-happening.shtmlThe Alphabetical Order - I Am Magically Happening!
Can you remember the legendary DC hardcore scene that thrived and ruled in DC in the '80s? The Alphabetical Order might be a bit young to have been there, but they remember the post-hardcore days that brought us bands like Jawbox, and at least one person in the band must have taken some influence from those scenes.
Can you remember the legendary DC hardcore scene that thrived and ruled in DC in the '80s? The Alphabetical Order might be a bit young to have been there, but they remember the post-hardcore days that brought us bands like Jawbox, and at least one person in the band must have taken some influence from those scenes. I Am Magically Happening! unleashes post-hardcore, deconstructed guitar melodies ("Adderall") on the scene with an erstwhile pop and post-punk influence. "Constant State" calls upon the Buzzcocks, and "Shot From Cannons" has a faint Elton John space-pop genesis.
Happening is full of twists, turns, and F-1 chicanes as not-too-common time signatures find themselves employed with massively entertaining choruses and memorable hooks. Impressive guitar solos ("Submarines") are the secret weapon behind an infantry of lock-step beats. A little less feedback than typical post-punk, a little more color and flavor than typical post-hardcore, The Alphabetical Order have given us a clever debut LP which is fantastically catchy, awesomely rocking, and rarely misses a step. Only on the chorus of "Dress Up/Dress Down" does the sound seem disconnected from what is otherwise a magically happening effort from The Alphabetical Order.
Download "Adderall" above or order the album by clicking on the artwork from I Am Magically Happening!