The Magic I.D.
Michael Thieke | Clarinet (Left)
Kai Fagaschinski | Clarinet (Right)
Christof Kurzmann | Vocals, Computer (G3 & Lloopp)
Margareth Kammerer | Vocals, Guitar
about:
The Magic I.D. is a Berlin-based quartet exploring the juncture of song forms with abstract music. The band, consisting of Margareth Kammerer (vocals & guitars), Christof Kurzmann (vocals, g3 & lloopp), Kai Fagaschinski and Michael Thieke (both clarinet), formed in summer 2005 after previously being connected via smaller groupings and projects. The musicians expand song forms through the prism of experimental sensibilities and mesh the two remarkably fluidly.
The combination of twin clarinets, guitar, subtle electronics and voices seems deceptively simple, but it makes a heady cocktail. The combined effect creates a unique soundscape; after hearing two seconds of this music, it could be mistaken for nothing else.
The quartet presented its music in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, among others at Music Unlimited (Wels 2006), Jazz A Mulhouse (Mulhouse 2007), Angelica Festival (Bologna 2008), Teatro Fondamenta Nuove (Venice 2008), Vooruit (Gent 2009), Auditorium Parco Della Musica (Rome 2009), Serralves (Porto 2010), and Echtzeitmusiktage (Berlin 2010).
links:
listen on bandcamp: I’m So Awake / Sleepless I Feel
listen on bandcamp: Till My Breath Gives Out
press:
A superb example of how less can be so much more.
-Phil Zampino, The Squid’s Ear
Das Resultat ist ein dichtes, hochmusikalisches Etwas, für das zumindest mir vor lauter Staunen und stiller Freude (beinahe) die Worte fehlen.
-Karsten Zimalla, Wetszeit (D)
Such care and attention to detail runs right through the album. The irony is the amount of effort that must have been invested into music that sounds absolutely effortless.
-John Eyles, Dusted Magazine (USA)
releases:
The Magic I.D. | I’m So Awake / Sleepless I feel | Staubgold (D) | 2011 | LP/CD
The Magic I.D. | Till My Breath Gives Out | ErstPop (USA) | 2008 | CD/LP