Opening with a thunderous snare roll, Liverpudlian band The Mags debut single ‘When I Get Home’ introduces listeners to the band’s distinctly early naughties indie-rock sound.
A precursor to the band’s upcoming debut album aptly titled ‘This Is The Mags’, ‘When I Get Home’ showcases the band’s unique hybrid sound of indie-rock and blues-rock-infused stylings. Listening to the track it’s clear to see where their influences lie, with its raw energy, distinct distorted riffs and impactful, no-nonsense drum patterns, the track takes cues from the likes of The Black Keys and The White Strips.
As seen time and time again this formula is often replicated but hard to master, which can sometimes leave the sound as somewhat of a cliché in today’s music landscape. Not here though, The Mags have managed to expertly capture the raw essence of the genre, while lacing it with their British rock roots resulting in a track that would equally get the floor stomping at any sweaty basement gig as it would get you pumped walking to the station in anticipation for a big night out. Lyrically the track whether intentionally or not, offers a nod to Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust For Life’, depicting the highs, lows and often chaotic nature of youth.
With their distinct sound, you’d be forgiven for presuming The Mags hailed from the US, it’s not surprising then to find out that they spent time over in New York performing throughout the city and recording their album there. With the help of producers Danny ‘Kootch’ Kortchmar (Billy Joel, Carole King, John Lennon) and Will Schillinger (The Beastie Boys, Aerosmith, The Ramones), along with Grammy award-winning engineer Matt Shane (Flight of the Conchords, Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello) The Mags have captured British sensibilities and blended it with an unmistakably American sound, creating a whole new beast, one that I’m sure will be enjoyed across both sides of the Atlantic.
Speaking about the track further The Mags state “It’s about the energy and confusion of youth. The ‘not knowing what the f*ck you’re doing, or where you’re going, and having to deal with low moments and mental health struggles, but those bad times being interspersed with incredible moments and wild highs with friends who are kindred spirits. It’s about the boundless energy and heartbreak of that messy time in all our lives.”
