07-02-2020 Moran Magal

Location: Lepakkomies, Helsinki (Finland)

Sometimes the unexpected crosses your path. Ending up in Lepakkomies, Helsinki was not really a planned one, but while we were there we got to see Moran Magal perform.

Moran Magal has as FB description: ‘Piano Based Folk Rock with a Gothic Metal edge. Romantic, Dark, Melodic and Powerful.’ And perhaps it is a bit to diverse to have this fall under a stereotypical description. We hear the melancholic side of The Birthday Massacre, the songwriting going from catchy dark pop towards a Gothic version of Caro Emerald.

The other band that was on the bill had to cancel unfortunately, so the band had some extra time to play for the audience. We are taken through stories about runaway turtles in the snow to reality tv and it’s characteristics. Stories that were released on an album called “Under Your Bed” about a year ago.

The piano driven songs are not only backed by the usual instruments but some violin is there to add a bit more to the drama in the music. Atmospherical a smart choice, it suits well with the vocals and gives the music just that bit extra. The rest of the band being a bit more subtle makes that the whole comes out well balanced.

While some snow hits the streets of Helsinki we were witnessing a dark collection of emotions, captured in songs by Moran Magal. Something different from what you hear usually, mainly due to the way of composing. A theatre-like feel is over it, something that will amuse many listeners. An enjoyable night it was.