MemphisTrue Panther Sounds ***

The Beach Boys have become a by-word for any bright, laidback pop that employs jangly guitars, dreamy organs and pitch-perfect harmonies. But when it comes to Magic Kids, that paradigm is a gargantuan understatement. Parts of this, their debut album, sound like the Tennessee five-piece actually want to be Brian Wilson & co, rather than emulate or siphon from them;

Candy

and

Suferball

are smothered in a golden haze that’s straight out of 1960s California, while standout track

Hey Boy

is undeniably and instantly gratifying. There are nods to Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach in places, particularly on Summer’s gentle sweep of strings and Bennett Foster’s nasal intonations. This disposable, quick-fix summer record is a little too sickly-sweet in places, but boy, it will make you smile. See myspace.com/themagickids

Download tracks:

Hey Boy, Good to Be