Keeping it in the family brings success for Magic Numbers

The Magic Numbers, a London based four-piece consisting of two sets of brothers and sisters, make a welcome return to Róisín Dubh on Sunday, November 30.
The Romeo and Michele Stodart and Sean and Angela Gannon make up The Magic Numbers, whose self-titled debut album, released in 2005, was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. It was followed by two further albums (Those the Brokes in 2006 and The Runaways in 2010).
Since 2005 The Magic Numbers have shared stages with the likes of Brian Wilson, The Flaming Lips, The Who, Morrissey, U2 and Bright Eyes. Many of their singles have reached the Top 20, resulting in over a million album sales worldwide. Their latest record, released in August is called Alias, an album that Romeo, the joint lead-singer, is especially proud of.
“I wanted to hold out, to really make something special, to make sure I’ve got the best songs I’ve ever written, to sound the best we’ve ever sounded, to capture that thing that happens when a band really plays together and nothing else matters,” he says.
“Everything was about aiming for the best we’ve ever done.” Alias brings to mind the work of Pink Floyd, Neil Young and Roy Orbison and is shot through with The Magic Numbers’ keen ear for melody.
“There are some different reference points, but as soon as we start singing you know it’s us,” says Romeo. Doors for their Galway show are at 8pm, admission €16/€14.