Magnapop - International Pop Underground - Issue #31

Review - Hot Boxing
by Phil Levie

Magnapop's self-titled debut hinted at bubbly power pop glory, only to be buried under unbearably murky production. Now, with Bob Mould's assured hand, they've returned with a snappy second album that brings all that promise to fruition. In spades. Hot Boxing is 14 slices of melodic, addictive jangle and crunch, irrepressibly upbeat without being silly or cloying. Linda Hopper's singing is especially impressive - strong and lovely, with that little girl lost spaciness. (Juliana Hatfield she ain't, in other words). Also, guitarist Ruthie Morris' crisp energetic style fits in wonderfully. From the jerky Pixies-style intro to "Lay It Down," to the gentle sway of "Texas," and the amazing one chord pounding of "Ride," her playing reveals and uncommon intelligence and energy.

I can't help thinking of bands they don't sound very much like - Close Lobsters, Shop Assistants, Woodentops. Like these bands, Magnapop make fresh and addictive pop out of familiar ingredients.

(This issue of IPU came with a blue flexi 7" that was a split between Magnapop and Velocity girl. The Magnapop song is the LP version of "Slowly, Slowly".