FANTASTIC MR MARCEL - Science & Magic

On Rotation: Fantastic Mr Marcel 'Science & Magic"

R&B has always been a genre far friendlier to its past as compared to, say, pop music. Every era is equally important and influential, and the modern form of the genre often features a long line of inspirations behind given songs. Case in point: the latest single from British R&B crooner Fantastic Mr Marcel, “Science and Magic.” On first listen, there are two absolute titans of the genre you hear in the background: Marcel’s vocals sound very much like a cross between the high-wire funk of George Clinton and the smoothest side of Prince, reminiscent of a slower song on, say, Sign ‘O’ the Times. True to its title, “Science and Magic” feels like a wavy, celestial trip, where instruments warble between pitches and the textures feel open yet warm.

That warmth extends its way to the track’s most crucial element, that of course being the excellent vocal delivery of Marcel himself. This isn’t a voice that likes to sit in the background, but rather someone who projects every bead of sweat and word of love into the words he sings. The warm baritone of Marcel has mileage and millions of things to say, making the sultry atmosphere of the song palpable to listeners. With space-age R&B textures and classic charm, Fantastic Mr Marcel’s “Science and Magic” is a bright and stunning slow jam.

Catch "Science & Magic" on Spotify: