We're not talking about Earvin Jr., but there's definitely enough energy coming from these two Portland via LA kids to survive HIV and make a decent basketball comeback. Musically speaking. There have been tons of two-piece bands since there have been bands, and for reasons abound (couldn't find a bassist, didn't want a drummer, guitarist was lame, who needs vocals anyway...), but it seems magic combo for Magic Johnson is drums and guitar, blistering with the enthusiasm of a fight between LA's smog and its signature sunshine. They don't need the rest of the band. Mando and Ana have it covered with old fashioned, simple, loud, punk music that'll give the needle on your turntable a workout. Their 7" release on OlFactory/LA is Wax Paper, Telenovelas, is a vocal tag team of screams into guitar pick-ups and drum heads bursting like cannon fire. If there were more than two of them it might just be plain scary.

Magic Johnson from Mark Greshowak on Vimeo.

Labels: LA is Wax, magic johnson, olFactory records, portland, punk