Gentle, atmospheric melodies and clever noises.

Even Johansen, aka Magnet, is yet another talent to emerge from the Norwegian town of Bergen. With a more introspective and organic approach to songwriting than his peers, Johansen fashions a subtle blend of gentle melodies and thoughtful atmospheric instrumentation and understated beats. It’s warmer and less barren than Radiohead, and less direct than songwriters like Ed Harcourt. Highlights include the Dylan cover, Lay Lady Lay, a duet with Gemma Hayes, the country-tinged Where Happiness Lives and the string-laden Overjoyed. Some of it’s peaceful and reassuring, some of it’s sparse and brooding. All of it’s gentle. (8/10) Matt Walton 04 July 03

Magnet – On Your Side, released 07 July 03 on Ultimate Dilemma.

useful link: www.homeofmagnet.com