exmagician’s debut album Scan The Blue, released to much acclaim on March 25th via Bella Union Records, sees longtime collaborators Danny Todd and James Smith looking to the future with new vigour and confidence. The Belfast duo, who have been friends since their teens, have made a multifaceted, sonically adventurous statement that fully justifies their decision to take full control of their work.

The musical reinvention from their time in Cashier No. 9 is apparent from the very first seconds of opening track. It’s a rich record full of sonic surprises, Danny and James’s decision to take the production reins themselves paying off in spades. After so many years of friendship and collaboration, these two songwriter-producers are looking to the future with their eyes firmly set on the horizon.