Magno Garcia takes listeners on a spiritual journey as he shares tales of hardship, vengeance, & redemption on a Retrospec produced platter titled “Like A Thief In The Night.” On what is clearly his magnum opus thus far, the Boston, Massachusetts mic slayer depicts visually arresting street imagery & the all-encompassing presence of a Higher Power that ushered him on the path of the straight and narrow. Retrospec immediately takes us to church with lush gospel arrangements and choir samples on “Before The Rooster Crows.” Instead of sacrificing the boom bap, he ramps up the sonic activity to epic proportions with a powerful soundscape that could rattle the earth! Magno reflects on a grim childhood & marvels over the fact he survived. The lyricist’s initial refuge was the promise of unknown adventure that awaited him outside until he tapped into the supreme potential that dwells from within.
Next up is “Atoms In The Garden Of Eden” which finds the power spitter in full pugilist mode as he battles the forces of evil over hard-hitting production. “Romans 7:19” transports fans back to the defining moment that made the rhyme warrior choose the mic over crime while “Vino” flaunts an ominous, minimalistic loop that adds weight to Magno’s expressive locution. By contrast, “Parade Of Killing Shaitan” marches into action with a glorious canvas of exalted rhythms interwoven with brash bars to beat the devil to the ground! “Burning Chandelier Revised” is reminiscent of Wu-Tang Clan’s classic “C.R.E.A.M.” track in both tone & tempo. Magno makes no attempt to disguise the similarities. Instead, he revels in the opportunity to transform a cherished cut into a heavenly hymn of praise. The verbal vigilante brilliantly accomplishes his goal in no time flat before liberating us from our self-imposed mental plantation on “The Lord’s Prayer.”
The illustrious El Ay then teams up with Magno to bless listeners with her divine presence while dropping passionate bars over sublime grooves contained on “The Mustard Seed.” “Relationship Ghosts” soon follows with Magno questioning God about the tragedies in his life before completely overtaking our emotions with the heart-wrenching masterpiece “Letter To Ambassadors Church.” Retrospec’s flawless craftsmanship of the track is a clear indication that he was guided by angels…and when Magno reveals the details of a phone call with his mother there won’t be a dry eye in the house. “Like A Thief In The Night” may not be what you expected from the rising star but it’s definitely what you need. In a world overrun by pain, turmoil, and hostility this album may be the key to your salvation.
– Kevin Keith
