Here We Go Magic, the former moniker of psych-folk singer Luke Temple, is now a five-piece band based out of Brooklyn, New York. Their debut album [as a band], Pigeons, is far more interesting than the winged-rat it takes its name from.

Right from the start, “Hibernation,” draws you in with a catchy, scratchy and atmospheric flow. It dips in and out of strange raspy vocals and a string of quick, short lyrics that don’t seem to make any sense, but sound like dripping cymbals. The song is definitely playful and instantly reminds me a bit of Dr. Dog if they were to hang out with Of Montreal in a basement somewhere remote and full of sun.

The second track doesn’t disappoint, nor disrupt the flow. Going into “Collector” felt easier than sliding down a slide. The transition keeps the tempo upbeat and the energy at a drowsy-high. The lyrics are hard to make out, but with Temple’s voice carrying us through its quickness it seems almost silly to want to try. The chorus was easily catchy and reminded me again of Of Montreal and even a little Beach House.

When the third track, “Casual,” dropped into the slow, dreamlike lyrics “It’s casual/ Not heartbreaking/ So casual/ Not mind-shaking” it helped to slow everything down. The simple background noise, simple lyrics repeating over and over, almost makes the track feel like a small meditation—a casual fall. It definitely relaxed my mind.

From here, the album continues with its slightly psychedelic feel. It glides in and out of the sky and falls heavily, sometimes, on your mind without you noticing. Though, there are a few hiccups where I was confused if I was still listening to Pigeons.

The fifth track, “Bottom Feeder,” sounded too normal-folky to be a part of the overall album. Nearing the end though, the songs did continue to include those subtle pings that reminded you of the days you soaked up too much sun and felt a little dizzy but much happy.

“F.F.A.P” is the eighth track on the album and one that I thought fit in well, but at the same time didn’t quite feel too comfortable near the others. This track seems quite minimal, yet it isn’t. There are quiet moments that feel strained as you wait on the build-
up to the climax. Temple’s voice really shines here as you can feel his soft, slightly moody sound makes the lyrics feel heavier. It’s a nice beginning of the end.

Overall, Pigeons, is rich in its subtleties and repetitious lyrics, which sung in Temple’s sleepy voice will lull you into a peaceful daze and probably a half smile. It’s a little lo-fi, psychedelic wisp that will keep you buoyed for most of the ride.

–Victoria Phetmisy, July 5, 2010