Some songs arrive in your life like fate, and “Black Magic” by The Amazons was one of those for me. I woke up with a song in my mind, but I didn’t remember the name of it, so I hummed it to Shazam — and it returned to me “Black Magic”, a track I had never heard in my life. From the very first notes, I felt like I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.
Who Are The Amazons?
Hailing from Reading, England, The Amazons formed in 2014 and quickly carved their place in the modern British rock scene. Their sound bridges the intensity of hard rock with the melodic sensibilities of indie, often compared to Royal Blood or Catfish and the Bottlemen. In an era when guitar-driven rock seemed to fade from the mainstream, The Amazons brought it back with youthful energy and unapologetic riffs.
Their self-titled debut album in 2017 was an immediate success, entering the UK charts and proving that rock still had a strong pulse. Among its highlights, “Black Magic” emerged as a song that perfectly captured the band’s identity: dark, urgent, and absolutely electrifying.
The Sound of Black Magic
“Black Magic” is built around heavy, distorted guitar riffs, a steady, hypnotic bassline, and pounding drums. The verses simmer with tension, drawing the listener in with a brooding atmosphere before erupting into an explosive chorus. Lyrically, it explores themes of desire, mystery, and the almost supernatural pull of attraction.
The rawness of the track makes it perfect for both small venues and big arenas. There’s an immediacy in its sound — as if it was designed to be shouted back at the band by thousands of fans under flashing lights and smoke.
Talk Nerdy to Me: A Music Theory Perspective
From a theoretical standpoint, “Black Magic” is a great take on dynamics and tension-release. The verses lean into the Aeolian mode, with minor-key riffs that emphasize darkness and uncertainty. The chorus, however, shifts toward a brighter harmonic space, using parallel major movements to create a sense of release.
Rhythmically, the song sticks to a straightforward 4/4 rock beat, but the syncopated guitar accents add grit and unpredictability. The production emphasizes contrast: the verses feel restrained, almost minimal, while the chorus explodes with layers of distortion and soaring vocals.
For music students, “Black Magic” is a great example of how to use harmonic contrast and arrangement dynamics to mirror lyrical themes of obsession and release.
Comparisons and Influences
International listeners might hear shades of Arctic Monkeys’ darker work or the intensity of early Muse. Yet The Amazons differentiate themselves by keeping their sound closer to garage rock — raw, unpolished, and unafraid to lean into noise and distortion.
It’s not just about studio polish; “Black Magic” thrives in the live setting, where its riffs hit harder and its choruses feel almost ritualistic.
Cultural Resonance
While “Black Magic” didn’t dominate global charts like mainstream pop hits, it became a cornerstone of The Amazons’ growing reputation. For fans of British rock, it represents a return to authenticity at a time when rock was often overshadowed by electronic music. Much like Blind Guardian’s “The Bard’s Song” resonates as a hidden treasure for metal fans, “Black Magic” carries that same cult-favorite aura for modern rock listeners.
Personal Note
For me, discovering “Black Magic” felt like the universe playing DJ. I wasn’t looking for it — it found me. That moment with Shazam felt like unearthing a song that had been waiting for me all along. It’s a reminder of how music sometimes chooses us, sneaking into our mornings and refusing to leave until we press play again.
Other Great Songs by The Amazons
- Junk Food Forever – A high-energy anthem from their debut album, full of driving riffs and singalong choruses.
- Mother – A bold, thunderous track from their 2019 album Future Dust, showcasing the heavier side of their sound.
- Bloodrus – A groove-filled single that highlights the band’s ability to balance melody with raw power.
