Magna Carda - “Propaganda”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Tierra Whack, The Roots, Noname

Classic hip hop, vibing psych rap, and jazzy neo-soul intersect on Magna Carda’s third full-length To The Good People, a tight record that is still laid-back given the duo’s natural ability. Magna Carda originally impressed with their ‘live band’ feel, one that they can still replicate on stage, but To The Good People feels more about lyric and verse than the jazz-R&B instrumentation underneath. Verbally dense, vocalist Megz Kelli makes it look easy when it comes to indie-minded hip hop flow. There’s laid-back lounge energy throughout To The Good People, replacing pop intensity with cool and comfortable rhythms and flow. (Kevin McStravick)

2018 Review: The ‘hip hop band’ is all too rare, a combination of live instrumentation and interesting bars and breaks elevating music to a new level. Magna Carda takes influences from soul, jazz, R&B and classic hip hop to form the basis of their music. In lieu of pure groove, Magna Carda takes a patient, experimental approach to their music. Subtly overtakes intensity, moving Magna Carda’s sound internally. Heady music yields stream of consciousness flows - rapper Megz Kelli is understated but commanding by time she finishes her first line. The Austin collective are touring behind their 2017 EP Somewhere In Between, a consistent effort both in vibe and effectiveness.