Formerly known as Cashier No. 9, Belfast musicians Danny Todd and James Smith have rebooted as exmagician, ditching their old Laurel Canyon vibes. The outfit embodies the best of the past 20 years of inventive indie music: the good-humored amble of “Bend With the Wild” evokes well-worn sweaters and camaraderie, while “Place Your Bets” has a dusty, desert vibe. They can ply epic, synth-spangled soundscapes (“Desperado), out-wooze the most psychedelic artists (“Plan Retrieval”), and ply charming rural whimsy, too (“Wild Eyes”). It's a mini festival in 45 minutes.
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