[Review] The Magnum Font – Avant-Garde “shock factor and clever metaphors”

Throughout this release from The Magnum Font there are more than a few lines that really take you aback. This is both in the unexpected content – the shock factor – and the artist’s use of clever metaphors. The sound of the voice is hugely unique in terms of its characteristics, and the form of expression also has a lot of character – occasionally taking inspiration from the likes of Eminem, though more notably ringing true to a new set of rhymes and a new story or scene, not to mention a wildly wandering imagination.

At over six minutes long, the track would potentially benefit from a slightly more intricate or varied musical backdrop to accompany and enhance the movement and changing emotions expressed within the lyrics. For the most part this feels like a spoken word or indeed freestyle performance as suggested by the Soundcloud link, and in this respect the simplicity of the music makes sense. However, there’s always room to add further strength and to empower the lyrics or ideas within a song, regardless of genre, by fully utilising instrumental creativity. Having said that, the beat has a certain sound and energy to it that is true to a fairly specific sub-genre of hip-hop, and with that in mind, perhaps the simplicity is exactly what’s needed.

As mentioned, some of the lyrics featured in the release really grab you. There doesn’t always seem to be a clear cut story line or consistent thread through the verses, but the subject matter definitely leans in a fairly committed direction. A little more detail or a gradual setting and exploration of the scene might help keep the content captivating for the full extent of the song, but there’s a lot to be said for the individuality and the passion.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing