Maglia Rosa Group

https://www.facebook.com/magliarosagroup

Nighthawks EP Review by Music Broke My Bones (written by Rachel Johnson)

Introducing – Maglia Rosa Group

With the recent release of their first EP, Nighthawks, Maglia Rosa Group have put forth a collection of gems, which shows the coming together of some of my favourite features of some of my favourite music. Top of the list comes their use of the kind of melodic dissonance found in Sonic Youth’s more laid-back tracks (see also Placebo and the heart-rending guitar work on ‘So Real’ by Jeff Buckley). One of my favourite tracks off the EP which demonstrates this brilliantly is ‘Blood Orange’, but then again the dark ‘Fallen Daughter’ is equally enthralling.

It isn’t all mellow, dissonant guitar-work though, as the occasional upbeat indie riff gets your feet tapping and adds the necessary variety to the band’s work. This is at its clearest on title track ‘Nighthawks’, which ensures the EP starts on a high.

Of course, none of this would be complete without lead-singer Daisy’s fantastic, rich vocals which at their heights manage to remind me of Kate Bush. Meanwhile the fusion between her more classical singing style and the instrumental style I’ve mentioned above has hints of Wild Beasts but, in my opinion, is carried off far better. For those who haven’t heard Wild Beasts before, Daisy’s vocals may take getting used to, but you’ll be repaid 10-fold for the little effort put in: the vocal lines hold the rest of the music together beautifully while giving it an extra sense of myth and magic. And, let’s face it, it’s just great hearing another strong female vocalist – I still don’t think there are enough of them on the scene, even with superstars Florence and Lana Del Rey giving plenty of inspiration.

In a word, Maglia Rosa Group’s music all comes together brilliantly – it’s fresh, captivating and bursting with the band’s talent. What’s more, I have a hunch from what I can glean of the band’s general aesthetic that they’ll be a treat to see live.

See Maglia Rosa Group’s Soundcloud page where this compelling EP and a selection of their equally good previous recordings make up a musical treasure trove. Maglia Rosa Group are: siblings Daisy and Sam Lawrence (vocals, guitar, synth-organ/piano and the occasional flute); Owen Cox on drums and Matt Gadd on bass.

Find them on Facebook here 

http://www.musicbrokemybones.co.uk/?p=7983 

Nighthawks EP Review by Eclectic Sound

MAGLIA ROSA GROUP – NIGHTHAWKS

Norwich-based quartet “Maglia Rosa Group” are perfect proof that it’s still possible to find modern music that’s as distinctive and exciting as ever before. They describe their sound as “Indie Pop”, but allow me to argue that they exceed the confines of such a genre.

When first listening to the title track of their EP “Nighthawks” after receiving a warm-hearted email from front-woman Daisy offering me new music to my delight, I was struck by her captivating operatic vocals which instantly reminded me of Hayden from Wild Beast’s single style. And there’s more where that comparison came from, as the instrumental openings of remaining tracks “Fallen Daughter”, “Blood Orange” and “Buckling” subsequently held some resemblance to Wild Beast’s general ambiance with trembling guitar flourishes, supple bass and waves of synth complementing robust percussion; along with the added delight of soaring flute ornamentation which for me contributes momentously the overall enchanting occasion of listening to this EP.

A bonus is of course that every chorus is undeniably catchy, but if you see this band as ambassadors of Pop it wouldn’t be right to say that they’re anything but at the top of their game. Anyone can see that “Nighthawks” is a product of real musicianship, from a group of people who know how to craft hypnotising melodies and thrive together. I wish them every success in the future! 

Rating: 9/10

In 3 Words: enchanting, uplifting, distinctive 

You can listen to and buy the EP here: http://magliarosagroup.bandcamp.com/album/nighthawks

http://eclecticsound.wordpress.com/

Nighthawks EP Review by It Sounded Sweet (written by Joshua Nicol)

INTRODUCING: MAGLIA ROSA GROUP

Posted on: March 17th, 2013 by Joshua Nicol

East Anglian four-piece, Maglia Rosa Group are a band I’ve wanted to be writing about for some time. Since being introduced to the lead single of the band’s first EP, ‘Nighthawks’, I’ve not been able to stop playing it over and over again.

With hints of Wild Beasts, Feist and Florence and the Machine, the four piece know how to make beautiful music, and combine it successfully with glorious imagery, supporting the audible appeal of their recorded sound.

Maglia Rosa Group were formed by sibling song-writers Daisy (vocals, flute, organ, guitar) and Sam Lawrence(guitar, synth) in 2010 and have since completed the line-up with Owen Cox (drums) and Matthew Gadd (bass).

Focussing their style and genre around abstract and atmospheric pop music with obscure twists and influences, Maglia Rosa Group may be one to watch in the near future. They fit perfectly within this current era of contemporary rock music, but with enough alternative aspects to attract both wide and niche audiences.

Keep an eye on Maglia Rosa Group and be sure to check out the EP, ‘Nighthawks’.

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44-ETTFkv0

https://www.facebook.com/magliarosagroup
 

http://soundcloud.com/magliarosagroup

http://twitter.com/MagliaRosaGroup

http://itsoundedsweet.com/2013/03/introducing-maglia-rosa-group/

Nighthawks EP Review by Mudkiss (written by Chumki Banerjee)

Maglia Rosa Group-‘Nighthawks’, EP

Redolent of whimsical folk, merged with Cocteau quirk and Kate Bush expressionism; dusky drums, giant’s stomp; clanging, clamorous, rhythmic guitar, hiccoughing hiatus, mischievous sprite stalking each song; dusty, doleful lugubrious bass, shuffle of  hobbit’s  feet, gentle sigh; mesmerised by, clear as bell, sweet as honey, soaring Elfin song; sprinkled with handful of shimmer, artfully applied. Woven with magical melodies, moving between folk and theatrical musical, fragrant charm of Maglia Rosa entices with Pied Piper call.


‘Nighthawks’ dips and soars on Kate Bush wings, vocal hovering on up draughts beneath its wings, weaving like mist over hazy landscape below, rising, falling, sweeping, swirling, scrap of melody blown on the wind, caught in hot breath of twirling bass, prickled by currents of picked guitar, tethered by pegged to ground drum, air rippling, shimmering with moonlight motes of flute and percussion; musical mindscape, artistically painted, with subtle, deft strokes. ‘Fallen Daughter’ takes hymnal turn; tremulous organ, sinister vibration, speaking of shame; drums shivering, head held low; silver tongue of guitar, cutting sermon; confessional whisper of incense bass; percussion chiming sacrament bells; angelic vocal showing off its incredible timbre and range, swooping like Sarah McLachlan, worshipping at Charlotte’s Church, plunging into Bush’s lower register. A song with a Phantom Of The Opera feel, dramatically theatrical, melodies flowing like silver streams, at times losing their way but pretty view, none the less. ‘Blood Orange’ follows same musical theme, showing off the holy voice, but adds touch of welcome grit, with tetchy percussion, gravelly edges to jingly, jangly, spiky guitar and some vocal ‘body popping’ tricks, adding percussive edge, as well as wonderment. ‘Buckling’ weaving round loop of melody shared by guitar and vocal; soft patter to swoon, tumbles back down, a little way, towards earth, organ background hum, bass sensual grumble and throb, prickling interference adding texture, perfection endearingly slipping and sliding, intentionally slightly off key.


Less high church, though all songs entice, this stands out as being most human, with lyrics which engage with more mortal beings and feelings.www.facebook.com/magliarosagroup


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44-ETTFkv0&feature=player_embedded



http://www.mudkiss.com/singlesmarch13.htm

Nighthawks EP Review By Ears On (by Dave Beech)

MAGLIA ROSA GROUP

Hailing from Norfolk, Maglia Rosa Group are a band who take their pop seriously. Comprised of brother and sister duo Daisy and Sam Lawrence and friends Owen Cox and Matthew Gadd, the band makes a type of music that is elegant and emphatically heartfelt. Their debut EP Nighthawks is a self-proclaimed progression to a more “electronically involved” aesthetic. However that doesn’t mean Nighthawks is an 80s enthused nostalgia trip like much of the electronic-centric music released these days. In fact, the record is an amalgamation of classical flute trills, hauntingly charismatic vocals and expertly executed drum patterns behind an effectively subdued guitar.

The Music

The first track on the record is titular track ‘Nighthawks’ and begins with an awesome duality of drums and synth, which (ironically enough given a previous statement) is where the band sound most 80s tinged. Daisy’s vocals soar magnificently throughout the track before dropping to a barely audible whisper which creates a wonderfully evocative dynamic, something which thankfully proves to be prominent across Nighthawks as a whole.

https://soundcloud.com/magliarosagroup

here is a distinct sense of theatrics distilled across the record which serves to heighten the drama contained within. This is most evident on track 2 entitled ‘Fallen Daughter’. Daisy’s vocals are ghostly, ephemeral almost; the command she has over her voice is, quite frankly, astounding. It holds an almost archaic quality, which, when coupled with the contemporary sound of the band behind her is a fantastic example of musical juxtaposition. Here both vocals and guitar follow a distinct harmony which uses the pitch of both to highlight one another whilst also blending together excellently.

While it’s clear that the main emphasis here lies with the singer, the rest of the band create an ornamented canvas on which the vocals can paint. The drums are tight across the whole EP, serving to carry each track with a steady momentum. Similarly the guitar is quite often slow yet purposeful and furthers each track with a subtle delicacy. This is best seen on ‘Blood Orange’ in which long sections are entirely instrumental. This not only allows the musical credibility of all members to be exhibited, but it makes the ever-impressive vocal track pack that much more of a punch, especially in what could be considered the chorus.

What We Think

It’s almost impossible to try and make comparisons and pigeon-hole a band such as Maglia Rosa Group. They literally sound like themselves. Sure there are elements of other artists in there. Occasionally the vocals will have an Amanda Palmer type feel to them, where as the flute parts would inevitably sound at home on some Jethro Tull records. Short of that the, best way to garner an understanding is to simply listen and experience Nighthawks. Eclectic; atmospheric; heart-wrenchingly beautiful. All words I would use to describe Maglia Rosa Group. A band that are without a doubt doing something different and a band that I implore anyone with an interest in music to spend a little time with.

http://www.ears-on.co.uk/maglia-rosa-group/


Nighthawks EP Review By Hooting And Howling (by Daisy Edwards)

Introducing: Maglia Rosa Group

Norwich is not exactly the first place thought of when the words “brilliant new music” are mentioned, but Maglia Rosa Group seem set on a mission to change that.

Armed with debut EP ‘Nighthawks’ - released at the end of December last year – the quartet, focused around the creative sibling pairing of lead singer/instrumentalist Daisy Lawrence and guitarist Sam Lawrence, are making a name for themselves with their refreshingly relaxed indie pop that ranges from synths to flutes and everything in between.

Throughout the EP, effortlessly beautiful vocals that hint at the likes of Clare Maguire and Beth Gibbons (Portishead) that are backed by layered wavering synths and the reserved jangle of guitar cause every track to act as an inescapable sense of calm, and that is certainly a brilliant thing. Title track ‘Nighthawks’ is a synth-drenched soaring number while ‘Blood Orange’ evolves into a web of intricate guitars and sweeping vocals: both make Maglia Rosa Group appear a stand-out amongst the rest, that is just crying to be noticed.

The EP is avaliable to buy on their bandcamp here on a name-your-price basis and they’re set to be playing some more live shows later this year. http://magliarosagroup.bandcamp.com/album/nighthawks


http://hootingandhowling.com/introducing-maglia-rosa-group/

Nighthawks EP Review By Some Of It Is True

Maglia Rosa Group

Hailing from Norwich (is it just me, or is a lot happening musically in Norwich at the moment?) the Maglia Rosa Group released their debut EP, ‘Nighthawks‘ at the end of last year. It has four great tracks and, to these ears, pulls in influences such as The Cure, Bjork, Kate Bush and Wild Beasts. As we love all these bands it was bound to appeal to us! Check out the video for ‘Nighthawks’ and also the EP (which you can ‘Name Your Price’ download over on Bandcamp). We have an interview with the band coming in the next few weeks!

http://magliarosagroup.bandcamp.com/album/nighthawks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44-ETTFkv0&feature=player_embedded

http://someofitistrue.com/2013/02/16/something-for-the-weekend-5-plaided-maglia-rosa-group-johnno-casson/

Nighthawks EP Review By Holeytonal

Poor Norwich, a city in East Anglia that has done not much wrong, but suffers having Alan Partridge as its most famous resident. He doesn’t even exist. At least they’ve got Delia Smith, never will I forget Let’s Be Having You. Bless.

Blissfully, music is in a much better state in Norwich than celebrity chefs, football and awkward comedy. The Maglia Rosa Group are fronted by Daisy Lawrence and brother Sam. Together with Owen Cox and Matthew Gad they’re creating mellifluous experimental folk pop.

Make sure when you meet them you hold back on airs and graces – here’s a quick note on how you pronounce their name from Facebook:

“We’re from East Anglia so tend to say ‘Maglia’ with a hard ‘g.’ However, if you’re of a continental persuasion, or just feeling a bit fancy, by all means go for the Italian ‘Maaahhhlia’”

Their EP, Nighthawks, was released last December and you can choose your price for it onBandcamp. (http://magliarosagroup.bandcamp.com/) 

The title track is definitely the strongest on the EP. Nighthawks has a Foals edge with plucked guitar lines and touches of synths, but Daisy introspectively sings over the angular arrangement:

Fallen Daughter is another sweet little number from the EP:



http://holeytonal.com/2013/02/maglia-rosa-group/

Nighthawks EP Review By Invasion Mag

Maglia Rosa Group – ‘Nighthawks’

Nighthawks is a call to bleeding hearts to run naked through the woods and get in touch with your inner pagan and summon forth the night so you may dance with the stars. It’s kind of witchy, with vocals reminiscent of The Cranberries mixed with a dash of Kate Miller-Heidke. In three words: cosmic indie opera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44-ETTFkv0&feature=player_embedded

Sit back and have a listen of the Norwich quartet’s full debut EP on Bandcamp (http://magliarosagroup.bandcamp.com/). In other exciting news the band have just been included in “Just Music That I Like’s” Glastonbury Emerging Talent Contest 2013 shortlist, meaning they could potentially be one of the hot new bands playing the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year. Our prediction: Maglia Rosa Group are going to make it big time!



http://www.invasionmag.com/2013/02/5-hot-tracks-by-blooming-new-uk-bands/

Nighthawks Single Review by Just Music That I Like

Maglia Rosa Group - Nighthawks (https://www.facebook.com/magliarosagroup)

Swirling with Siouxsie like mysticism “Nighthawks” is a dark, gorgeous beauty that shines through sparse, rhythmic drums and shimmering guitar textures whilst haunting vocal swoops immerse you fully in its atmospheric grace - a wonderful track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44-ETTFkv0

http://www.justmusicthatilike.com/2013/02/glastonbury-emerging-talent-contest-2013.html