4 To Watch: The Magic Numbers

Hometown: London
Members [l-r]: Michele Stodart (bass, vocals); Sean Gannon (drums); Angela Gannon (melodica, vocals); Romeo Stodart (vocals, guitar)
Fun fact: The Magic Numbers used to be called Guess. “At gigs the sound guy would be like, ‘What band are you?’ and we would say, “Guess!” says Romeo. “He would be like, ‘Look, I deal with five f---ing bands a day. How the hell am I supposed to know what band you are?’”
Why they’re worth watching: The Magic Numbers have made a big splash in the U.K., with their album debuting at #7 on the British charts.
For fans of: The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Strokes, Belle & Sebastian

They’ve got strangers hugging on street corners. Their melodies are indisputably catchy, with a sound built on tight harmonies. They’ve sold out venues before even signing to a label.

So far, so Polyphonic Spree. But rest assured, cultophobes, that the similarities end there. The Magic Numbers, consisting of brother/sister pairs Romeo and Michele Stodart and Sean and Angela Gannon, have impressed with their playful retro rock. And aside from the occasional sibling spat, they get along pretty well.

“It’s been this mad journey that’s brought us even closer,” says Romeo.

The Stodarts met the Gannons after moving from Trinidad to London (via New York). Romeo and Sean shared several bands before realizing what they needed was closer than they thought. “We decided to get our sisters in the band, and everything started happening from there,” says Romeo.

Their self-titled debut received critical acclaim in the U.K. and turned heads stateside. Before they knew it, The Magic Numbers were touring with Brian Wilson and playing sold-out shows in Japan.

When they’re not on tour, Romeo and Michele keep up the family vibe, living with their parents. “I guess we should be finding our own places soon,” Romeo admits.