MUSIC FOR YOUR EARS | REVIEW Mystery and Magic By Sunset Salore

Sunset Salore’s latest single, Mystery and Magic, is an intoxicating foray into the world
of alt-pop, flawlessly mixing elements of electronic music with introspective lyricism.
The Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland,
continues to carve out a distinct niche for herself in the music industry, drawing
inspiration from artists like Florence & The Machine, Meg Mac, and Baker Boy. Her
unique style shines through in this track, a standout from her forthcoming debut EP,
Love Kills The Monsters.
Mystery and Magic opens with a synth-laden intro, immediately evoking a sense of
nostalgia reminiscent of the 1980s. The pulsating bassline sets a rhythmic foundation
that anchors the entire piece, while intricate melodies weave through the soundscape,
creating a rich tapestry of sound. Producer Spud Thompson’s meticulous touch is
evident throughout the track, where every element — from the ticking beat that
introduces the song to the resonant harmonies that punctuate the chorus — is carefully
crafted to enhance the emotional weight of Salore’s lyrics.
The song’s structure is particularly notable for its dynamic shifts. The verses are
restrained, almost minimalist, allowing Salore’s vocals to take centre stage. However,
the chorus explodes with a half-time groove that amplifies the song’s emotional
intensity, drawing inspiration from old-school funk influences. This contrast between
the verses and chorus creates a push-and-pull effect that keeps listeners engaged, never
quite sure where the music will lead next.
Sunset Salore’s vocal performance in Mystery and Magic is both powerful and delicate,
embodying the dichotomy of new love — its excitement and its uncertainties. Her voice
has a smooth, ethereal quality that draws the listener in, yet it is also imbued with a
quiet strength that speaks to her depth as an artist. There’s a warmth to her tone, a
honeyed texture that is inviting and comforting. She sings with an edge of vulnerability,
suggesting a person who has lived through love’s ups and downs and emerged with
hard-earned wisdom.
Lyrically, Mystery and Magic is a celebration of new love, but not in the overly
sentimental way that many love songs tend to be. Instead, Salore focuses on the spark of
connection, the euphoria of discovering someone new, and the excitement of peeling
back the layers of another person’s personality. The line ‘Give me mystery and magic.
Let me be myself, fantastic,’ beautifully conveys this idea, speaking to a desire for a
relationship that allows for individuality and freedom. Another memorable lyric, ‘Love
is never tragic,’ offers a poignant commentary on how love should be experienced as a
liberating force rather than a confining one.
The lyrics also explore the importance of embracing differences in a relationship. Salore
uses simple, everyday metaphors — such as a preference for a cup of Ceylon tea over
Melbourne’s famous coffee — to underscore how small quirks and idiosyncrasies can
add depth to a relationship. This subtle approach to storytelling allows listeners to

project their experiences onto the song, making it universally relatable while still being
deeply personal.
What sets Mystery and Magic apart from typical love songs is its exploration of
individuality within the context of a relationship. Rather than depicting love as a
merging of two people into one, Salore emphasises the importance of maintaining one’s
identity while being in a relationship. This perspective is refreshing and aligns with
contemporary views on love and partnership, where the goal is not to lose oneself but to
grow alongside another person.
The song underscores the idea that love should be an enriching experience, one that
expands horizons rather than narrowing them. This theme is reinforced by the song’s
dynamic arrangement, where the ebb and flow of the music mirrors the give-and-take
that is essential in any healthy relationship.
Instrumentally, Mystery and Magic demonstrates Sunset Salore’s ability to blend genres
and create a sound that is both nostalgic and modern. The track is driven by a funky
bassline that injects rhythm and energy, calling to mind classic funk tracks, which is a
nod to the old-school influences that inspired her during the EP’s creation. The synths
and electronic elements add a contemporary twist, creating a sonic landscape that is
both familiar and fresh.
The decision to include a half-time chorus is particularly effective, adding a sense of
depth and complexity to the track. This unexpected shift not only enhances the rhythmic
flow but also adds a layer of intrigue, keeping the listener on their toes. The interplay
between the different instrumental elements — synths, bass, electronic beats — creates
a rich, layered sound that invites repeated listens to uncover all its nuances.
The production quality of Mystery and Magic is outstanding. The track is polished but
not overly so, maintaining an organic feel that complements Salore’s vocal style. The
balance between the various elements is expertly handled, with each part of the
arrangement given space to breathe. This allows the listener to fully appreciate the depth
and complexity of the music, from the subtle instrumental details to the rich vocal
harmonies.
Mystery and Magic is a compelling exploration of new love, offering a fresh perspective
on the early stages of a relationship. Sunset Salore’s ability to capture the nuances of
human connection through her honest and relatable lyrics, combined with her magnetic
vocal delivery and the lush production, makes this track a highlight in the alt-pop genre.
With this single, Sunset Salore solidifies her status as a rising star, one who is not afraid
to explore complex emotions and themes in her music. As anticipation builds for her
debut EP, Love Kills The Monsters, it’s clear that she has only begun to scratch the
surface of her artistic potential. Mystery and Magic is not just a song; it’s an experience
— one that invites listeners to embrace the thrill of the unknown and celebrate the
magic that comes with discovering someone new. This track is essential listening for
anyone who appreciates thoughtful, well-crafted pop music that resonates on a deeply
emotional level.