Review: Kelly Phoenix’s second single ‘Black Magic Spell’ proudly showcases genre-blending done right, amidst a dark tale
Solo-artist Kelly Phoenix starts the first chapter of his artist transformation sonically, within new single ‘Black Magic Spell.’ Embodying what he terms to be a goth funk dance pop feel, there’s an enthralling genre-blending styling that reigns throughout his music and is only getting started at turning heads. With a theatrical live performance to match, Kelly has played a number of venues in Los Angeles like Black Rabbit Rose and Madame Siam - and there’s plenty more to come.
With clear influence from Michael Jackson’s hit release ‘Blood On The Dancefloor’, Kelly’s newest single ‘Black Magic Spell’ heavily bends the boundaries of genre and stands up within its own right as something so obscurely unique, proudly boasting goth, funk and alternative pop into one bundle of excitement. Leading with a rhythmic hook and funky, incredibly clean electric guitar strums, ‘Black Magic Spell’ makes itself immediately memorable from its effortless earworms, addictive beats and carefully curated soundscape that interweaves an array of stylings sure to grip your listening experience. By centreing the track around moodily crafted undertones and Kelly’s magnetic and genre-hopping vocals, ‘Black Magic Spell’ reigns supreme within its ability to jump through the nuances of genre and provide an experience that never stops giving. Atop the instrumental-scape laid out before you, Kelly’s vocals truly take the greatest lead and command in diverting the track through its varying stages, as he explores a gnarly lower tone for verses that feels heavily menacing, whilst the chorus and other moments see haunting higher ranges that cover the catchiest of lines. Boasting layers of thoughtfully executed sound; multifaceted vocal tones evoking an abundance of different emotions, and an unexpected individuality from such a new to the scene artist, Kelly Phoenix certainly knows how to make his second single one that will continue to intrigue listeners and urge them to follow along for more.
Almost nearing six minutes in length, ‘Black Magic Spell’ is jam-packed with lyricism that holds a darker twist than most songs would care to explore. Whimsically journeying through the notion of an ex lover being possessed by the devil, ‘Black Magic Spell’ sees Kelly dissect the torment she put him through with an edge of mythology amidst the realism. From lines like ‘Tried to put me underground… can’t put me on your magic spell’, to, ‘Felt it all inside my bones, you tried to do me wrong’, it’s clear that Kelly writes from a place of burning passion and a tragic experience, making it all the more enthralling to hear how he ties everything together. Whilst incredibly ‘out there’ in its claims and interpretations, there’s definitely a relatable side to ‘Black Magic Spell’ as Kelly’s words can equally be taken as a warning towards dangerous, toxic lovers and the necessity to get out whilst you still can. With an emphasis on her lies and deceit, lines like ‘She told me that I’m the one, but she’s always having fun..’ evidently showcase a betrayal and whilst rooted in darker ideologies, the core message of ‘Black Magic Spell’ remains the same: Sometimes people hold a darkness that leaves them providing no positive influence in our lives, and it’s better off to let them go than continue to expect better.
For a one of a kind experience, you can check out Kelly Phoenix’s new single ‘Black Magic Spell’ for yourself here, and explore the heavy, yet undeniably dance-y atmosphere presented in a whopping five minute package! Continuing with the darker themes, Kelly also plans to share a music video for the track in the upcoming weeks - and it’s worth keeping an eye out for.
Written by: Tatiana Whybrow
Photo Credits: Antoine Breton
