This electric new four-song EP from Magic of the Marketplace is still as punk as ever, but these new tracks are packed with great riffs and a melodic energy that’ll have you reaching for the replay button over and over.
Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug, Sick56 and One Way System this powerful collaboration was officially released on 24th January 2025 in CD format and across all digital channels through JSNTGM and Engineer Records.
Track listing:
Jealous Moon (2:47)
Smile and Wave (2:00)
Walls (3:03)
False Relationships (2:02)
Magic of the Marketplace are:
Guitars, bass and vocals : Andy Higgins (Erase Today, Litterbug, Sick56, In Dire Fucking Straits, Higgins ++)
Drums : Luke Hesketh (Sonic Boom Six)
Occasional bass : James Routh (Sonic Boom Six)
Vocals and additional guitars : UK Nige (Sick 56, One Way System)
Recorded and mixed by James Routh at Rock Hard Studios in Blackpool.Engineer Records (IGN 435)
Just Say No To Government Music (JSNTGM 045)
Reviews:
MAGIC OF THE MARKET PLACE. Jealous Moon CD/EP (Engineer)
The name may be a bit of a mouthful but then again, the main man behind this combo is Andy Higgins, long-time stalwart of the Blackpool DIY punk scene, who named his record label ‘Just Say No To Government Music’, so he clearly isn’t interest in brevity! Featuring former members of Erase Today, Litterbug and even One Way System, it has to be noted (and it has been in every review I’ve seen) that there is more than a nod due to Leatherface, although I also picked out moments that recalled Dillinger Four and even Bob Moulds’ early solo albums (post Husker, pre-Sugar.) The songs have got a raw, visceral sound but this is tempered by melodic hooks that keep the emotions in check, so this isn’t a bad place to start. I’m sure that there will be plenty more to come from this band, but in the meantime, this is a great place to begin your listening. (Andy Pearson)
http://www.fearandloathingfanzine.com/record-reviews-january-june-2025.html
The title song here is a heartfelt plea asking us all not to give in. In times when that is the prevailing feeling I have felt I have been able to reach out to this song. Magic of the marketplace take that Leatherface gruff punk to offer up a mid-paced punk banger here. 4 songs in total with a similar clarion call. Lead singer Andy is the head honcho behind just say no to Government music and he has been sailing that boat solo for many years. He has taken many of his favourite bands like Stay Clean Jolene, the Great St Louis and Husker Du, already tattooed to his sleeve and mixed them together in this.
Niall Hope Collective (July 2025)
https://hopecollectiveireland.com/2025/07/10/magic-of-the-marketplace-have-produced-a-banger/
