As the press release for ‘Real’ by London-based outfit Majik warned, looks can be deceiving. Here we have two aesthetically similar musicians, Jamie and Marcus, who look more like brothers than creative collaborators. However, it’s their differences that add the spellbinding charm to Majik’s music. For starters, Jamie provides the technical know-how, in one hand working Logic to his advantage, and in the other, moulding the guitar into earthly, yet atmospheric, sounds. In complementary contrast, Marcus brings the human element with his soulful, evocative vocal and inward-looking lyricism. Furthering the appeal of this Scottish-English duo is the fact that everything is DIY. ‘Real’ and other tracks are a product of makeshift bedroom studios, not that you could tell from listening to this superbly executed piece of alternative-pop. As a song about “the introspective world we live in,” it’s suitably dreamy thanks to gossamer production, intricate guitar compositions and that genuinely heartfelt voice which is reminiscent of Jaymes Young and Astronomyy. Currently on an already half-sold-out tour, you had best jump on any available tickets while you still can. – HT