Fronted by Dexy Valentine, Magic Wands have received quite a bit of attention as their music has been licensed for use in commercials for Victoria’s Secret, Vogue’s Fashion Week, Gucci, Zara, T-Mobile, Beauty and the Beast, The Vampire Diaries and the Diablo Cody film The Power of Few. And the band has also opened for the likes of The Kills, The Horrors, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Black Keys, The Raconteurs, The Breeders, The Wombats, and they’ve also played at several large festivals including the Glastonbury Festival, SXSW, and Lollapalooza. 

Currently, they’re finishing up their sophomore effort Stranded on Earth, the anticipated follow up to their critically acclaimed debut effort, Aloha Moon. But in the meantime Valentine’s side project Bonfire Beach has been getting attention. Their latest single “Highway 77” continues Bonfire Beach’s reputation for a dense, darkly seductive and psychedelic sound as you’ll hear layers of chiming guitars are paired with propulsive percussion, and anxious yet sensual vocals. In some way, their sound compares favorably to the likes of L7, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and even The Black Angels (at least thematically).