Brooklyn-based the Magic of Multiples (heard on Ball of Wax Volumes 19, 23, and the forthcoming 24) is one Alex Drum, a lo fi classicist in possession of the indisputable formula for fuzzy, charming bedroom pop. The goodness found all throughout the Magic of Multiples is the same goodness found in bands like the Aisler Set, Girlysounds-era Liz Phair and any number of wonderful, handmade, seemingly-lost releases on Asaurus Records. Reverb, hazy keyboards, laconic vocals, major key melodies, intriguing lyrics, an actual 4 track (so says the Bandcamp tags), and a smattering of found sounds come together to make gems like this:
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Which can be found on this FREE self-titled release here.
While Alex Drum seems in good shape with his muse, his projects seem pretty jumbled. First, the Magic of Multiples is either also known as Whales or the project’s full name is Whales/The Magic of Multiples per Bandcamp. Second, Drum is in another project called FUNSHIP which has an excellent song called “FUNSHIP” that’s the same song (and seemingly same recording) found in the Magic of Multiples self-titled release and is also on the upcoming Ball of Wax. He’s also in a band called Shiv Hurrah (heard on Ball of Wax #22) that seems to be pretty active in NYC. There doesn’t seem to be am official website to sort this out, but he does have a blog that’s worth poking around for answers. Some sort of infographic is needed to sort this all out.
Confusion aside, there’s something subtle and hushed about these songs that works wonders without treading into the twee quicksand of preciousness. Well worth checking out.
Yes, Alex is quite prolific and mysterious. Lately it seems like every time I send out a call for Ball of Wax submissions he comes back with a million different tracks from different projects, all great in their own way. You’re right that some sort of diagram is probably required to map this all out; maybe I can get him to draw one up for us, if it can even be encapsulated in two dimensions.