‘Somehow she’ll never explain, what’s more she’ll never complain’
Birmingham, the second city in England, has been a leading light in the formation and propagation of heavy music. Out of so many bands that have emerged from this great city, if I had to pick one that lights up my darkest days, one that I turn to again and again, it would be Magnum. From the early days of ‘All England’s Eyes and ‘How Far Jerusalem’ these guys are the trusty steed that will see you through the forest, the stallion that canters across the shoreline, there is strength, there is beauty and craftmanship in their work. With their 23rd album we also receive the unbelievably sad news that Anthony Clarkin, writer and guitarist has sadly passed away.
A formidable and legendary presence in hard rock, securing the monopoly on innovative and top drawer songwriting time and again, Magnum can be proud of their legacy and their standing in the music scene. Opening with ‘Run Into The Shadows’ we welcome the familiar sound and it echoes around our being, seeking solace in our core. The sylph -like tenderness of ‘Some Kind Of Treachery’ opens up to reveal a gigantic chorus, an anthem, rousing and spirited, imparting joy, sorrow and wisdom by the truckload.
Listening to this record I feel that Tony has left us a warning, he has left us lessons to be learned, he has left us truth and he has left us hope. Human beings are not a commodity, they are not to be monetised, they are not to be abused and broken.
Here you will find tears of joy, tears of sadness, all playing their part in this kingdom of madness. Feel our humanity get crushed under the weight of ‘no one will come when you call’ showing us how disconnected we have become, leading to our own disintegration and ending. We continue through this monolithic body of work, our disposition tested to breaking point, our physical and mental status on the edge, we may falter, but we are sheltered, we are saved by the unwavering, unshakeable trust and confidence of this incredibly talented and often overlooked band.
The penultimate track is the hugely inspiring ‘I Wanna Live’ a desire to spread goodwill and friendship at a time when we all know there is only one way out of here, having this song on this record is quite telling and portentous.
Magnum have given us the soundtrack for our broken world. The songs are accurate in their words, with the classic rock sound effective and galvanising, and yet underneath it all there is a yearning for peace.
When a loved one leaves us, stolen like a thief in the night, that’s some kind of treachery.
Azra Pathan
Magnum- Here Comes The Rain out now
RIP Tony Clarkin