ELECTROMAGNETS

"Electromagnets" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by US, Austin, Texas based jazz-rock/fusion act Electromagnets. The album was released through EGM Records in 1975. Although Electromagnets only released this debut album before disbanding in 1977 (they recorded a second album in December 1975), which was shelved until 2006, when it was released through Vortexan Records), guitarist Eric Johnson later on worked as a session musician for artists like Cat Stevens, Carole King, and Christopher Cross, before launching a solo career in 1986 with the release of his debut solo album "Tones".

Stylistically the material on "Electromagnets" is a soft, fluent, and organic sounding jazz-rock/fusion style, delivered by a well playing band. The music is almost fully instrumental (male vocals appear but are sparse) and it´s centered around the guitar playing of Johnson who is supported by the well playing (and quite busy) rhythm section of drummer Bill Maddox and bassist Kyle Brock. Keyboardist Steve Barber also has a place in the soundscape and provides a lot of texture to the tracks, although it´s definitely Johnson´s guitar theme melodies and solos which are given most space and time.

The album features a raw and organic sound production, which almost sounds like the band recorded the album live in one take. It´s not the best sounding release and a little more clarity and details wouldn´t have hurt. On the other hand the unpolished nature of the album also provides the listening experience with an honesty and charm which a more polished, clean, and professional sound production wouldn´t have given to the listener.

Upon conclusion this debut album from Electromagnets is a decent quality jazz-rock/fusion release. The band are very well playing and that´s the greatest asset of the album, but the songs could have prospered from a bit more work on in the catchiness department and while Johnson is arguably a skilled and incredibly well playing guitarist, his playing style doesn´t stand out much from a lot of other contemporary artists playing a similar style of music. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.