The Magnets

Ground Zero, Merritt Island, FL • November 7, 1998

David A Clark

On Saturday, November 7, Central Florida’s own The Magnets hosted a CD Release Party at the Ground Zero coffeehouse in Merritt Island. A four-dollar cover charge included fabulous and plentiful home-made eats and free-flowing kegs, plus three full sets of magnetic music.

The band performed 24 songs, including many from their self-produced inaugural CD, Black-Eyed Soul. The 14-track release is packed with tuneful songs revealing the band’s wide range of styles, which generally have moved away from the Cars and more toward Tom Petty.

Relaxed and self-confident on stage, the band members quipped and joked between songs, adding to the friendly, living-room feel of the show. The current line-up is the best yet for the group, with an excellent lead player and a solid drums/bass brothers duo. Frontman Andy Marcus has really found his vocal range and belted out song after song with a renewed confidence that conveyed a sense of rightful pride in the material and the band.

The Magnets have been playing out of town quite a bit lately, so if you see them listed for a local show, go. You will not be disappointed. ◼