The Magnets are, in their own words, 'a six-man sound machine'. Using only their mouths, the show is an hour of sonic surprises as the six middle-aged men find ways in which to blend their distinctive individual voices.
Performing over 140 shows across the world since last year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Magnets are a thoroughly professional outfit. This is apparent in their confident stagecraft and cohesive, effective choreography (which only occasionally resembles your drunk uncle dancing at a wedding).
The two stand-out members of the group are Andy Frost and Fraser Collins. Collins' bass voice is richly textured and faultlessly in tune, creating a diverse, relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable basis upon which each song rests. Meanwhile, Frost's vocal percussion, or beatboxing, is nothing short of Olympian in standard. The highlight of the show is without doubt his solo section in which he plays an imaginary drum kit, the sounds of which are made entirely with his voice in a manner that is utterly convincing. The ticket price is worth this alone.
In sync with 2012's overriding theme of patriotism, the set list is a celebration of British songs and a collection of the members' favourites from their lifetime. They are between 30 and 40, so some of their song choices were sadly lost on this younger reviewer. The show ends with a medley of British pop music, with the different elements selected by the audience. This was another highlight and it would have been nice to have heard more of the well-known songs which were included in this set.
While watching the show, I could not help but picture One Direction in twenty years time, a thought not discouraged by the occasional and cringeworthy grinding against microphone stands. Musically, their arrangements could do with more variety and, for a group who have been singing together for so many years, it was disappointing to be subjected to intonation issues. However, despite these problems, a ticket to The Magnets promises a good time for all. They deliver an evening of outstanding vocal dexterity and inventive entertainment.
