Before the Waves

Critical reception

The album was met by positive reviews. GQ said that the album was, "12 Tracks of Alt Joy" and that the album is "full of solid electric beats, hazy (good hazy) vocals, and synth."

The Boston Globe wrote "The songs, particularly first single “Paris,” unfurl with an emphasis on keeping everything light and airy. Frontman Alex Caplow has a similar sweep in his voice, the kind of majestic croon that suggests it will sound perfect in stadium-size sing-alongs", adding "The album puts Magic Man in the same league as other electro-leaning pop bands, from St. Lucia to Sir Sly"

Substream Magazine gave the album 4 out of 5, saying, "The album has an energetic sense of urgency, inspiring the listener to never spend one minute sitting still, but to go out and experience everything life has to offer." and further adding "Besides the story-like lyrics, Before the Waves would not be the polished product it is without the magical sounds of their ever present synth, which adapts to fit the mode of any song."

Sound of Boston gave the album an 8.3 out of 10, noting that "Before the Waves thrives in a classic indie-pop space: a portrait of the best parts of youthful bliss."

Recording

In an interview with Sound of Boston, Sam revealed that the sample at the beginning of “Texas” was discovered while digging for records; it was “one of the best things we ever found in those record bins.”

Album Artwork

The photo on the cover of their EP You Are Here — a single smoke bomb trailing a colorful haze — was taken by a British art student whose work the band came across online.

Track listing

All tracks written by Magic Man. Alex Caplow is the lead vocalist on all of the songs in the album.

Trivia

Their song, Tonight also featured as soundtrack in EA Sports game, FIFA 15.