A little bit twangy, a little bit synthy, a little bit ethereal, but totally enjoyable throughout, The Apples in Stereo's new album is filled with good vibes and hummable melodies. The songwriting harkens back to more classic days, with simple songs that are made increasingly complex, and it fits perfectly. The Apples blend your typically introspective college rock sound ("Can You Feel It?") and give it a bit more of an edge on some tracks ("Open Eyes"), but on others show considerable restraint and beauty in some of the more atmospheric tracks.
The only trouble with New Magnetic Wonder is that sprinkled throughout the disc are little interludes. While not detracting from the overall project, they also add nothing. And the disc breezes by quicker than you'd think, which is a shame since there is so much on New Magnetic Wonder to enjoy. A Wonder, indeed.