When The Magnetics hit the stage, get ready for a rousing set of skanking and revelry. This Italian quintet keeps hearts pumping, fans smiling and the dance floor alive. This is all in a tradition of Jamaican ska, rocksteady, soul and more. The set spanned songs across their recording history, opening with a few of their earlier Island-friendly songs Baby Come on and Fix It. Other early cuts, Candy Man and My Oh My made the set. The latter being an early single recorded with Jamaican reggae singer Susan Cadogen. Their ska-beat version of the classic Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu) was delightful. Add in their cocktail inspired tunes Gin & Tonic and Bloody Mary, they kept spirits high and feet dancing.
The only new material was from their 2025 EP Under Cover; a take on the 1961 Charles Sheffield hit It’s Your Voodoo Working. Cuba Libre hits that undeniable syncopated Latin afro-jazz sweet spot while Apollo 1969 and Johanna captures a mellower Caribbean beach vibe. In total, their sound nicely spans a cross section of Latin, pop, ska and blue beat.
Frontman, lead singer and guitarist Oli Riva connects with the audience with his boundless stamina. He, along with the whole band, connects with fans. Drummer Elia Pozzi and bassist William Nicastro held down the rhythm section with saxophonist Marcello Aloe and keyboardist Angelo Cattoni who added punch and melody for every arrangement. They have a big sound. At times, Cattoni impressively doubled up by playing trumpet while playing the keys at the same time. They are a tight musical unit with sway and buoyancy.
They live up to their name, possessing a magnetism as strong as the laws of physics. Be sure to catch them the next time they make it to Valencia.
Report by Phillip Solomonson
Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’
Photos copyright Phillip Solomonson/ ’24/7 Valencia’
=========================================================
Set List
- Baby Come on
- Fix It
- Johanna
- Lo Siento
- Cuba Libre
- Tuyo
- Shake a Tailfeather
- Bloody Mary
- Money, Money
- Cry to Me
- Candy Man
- Apollo 1969
- Gin & Tonic
- Si è Spento il Sole
- My Oh My
- Cinderella
- Volare
- Coffee & Sugar
- It’s Your Voodoo
- Gange
- Jungle Beat
- Kangaloo
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
Leave a comment