With hints of MGMT, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Panama and Miami Horror throughout, minibikes return with 'Magic Happens' – a bumper sticker-inspired single oozing synth textures and meandering guitars.
The first single off the minibikes new album 'Freaky Dreams', due for release early 2019, 'Magic Happens' will be released on Cheersquad Records & Tapes 26 October.
But minibikes have shared with scenestr a Lego-inspired accompanying video clip for 'Magic Happens' that features the ultimate beachside romance involving a shape-shifting wizard-dolphin, which we're thrilled to be able to premiere today.
"This was the last song I wrote for the 'Freaky Dreams' album, which is due for release early next year," minibikes frontman Marcel Borrack says.
"For me, it's a great representation of the vibe of the album, distilling all the elements into one song.
"I tried to get the guitars and synths to evoke a dreamy feel that sounds like falling in love in a tropical paradise.
"Sadly, I'd just heard Walter Becker [Steely Dan co-songwriter/ guitarist] had died and I was making up stories about his life in Hawaii after Steely Dan had broken up. I had read he was married to a yoga teacher and somehow all this reflection and imagining turned into 'Magic Happens'."
At this time of year, it's not unusual to read about songs that 'ooze summer vibes', but this single comes with a serious warning: Slip Slop Slap! And watch out for falling coconuts.
"I'd always wanted to make a stop-animation clip and over the years I've started making quite a few," Marcel says.
"Most of them were less than ten seconds long because I'm easily bored and it's such a labor-intensive process.
"For this attempt, I was determined to finish because I thought I had a good idea and just wanted to see it come to life. I borrowed the camera and lights from my friend Jamie who was able to give me some professional tips… the most invaluable being 'tape everything down so it can't move a millimetre!'.
"All I had to do was break out the Lego and start filming. I realised after shooting about 20 seconds of footage the main guy had a face with glasses on and to make him look like he was singing I was going to need an identical face with an open mouth, alternating between the two.
"Of course I didn't have one of those so I came up with the clever plan of him ditching the glasses just as he starts to sing… never to be seen again! So much for planning and continuity.
"My total naivety meant loads of unanticipated 'issues', but solving a few problems along the way kept it interesting and (almost) fun. Luckily Libby, who plays keyboard in the band, is a professional film editor among other things, and she was able to turn my chaos into a proper one…thanks Lib!"
