The debut single “Magnifier” by Stomp Box Choir introduces a striking new creative force — a collective project led by producer Howsie and songwriter Joe Stratton. Longtime collaborators, they have crafted a sound that blends soulful songwriting with modern electronic textures, resulting in a debut that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.
From its opening moments, “Magnifier” establishes a mood that is at once warm, introspective, and immersive. Deep bass lines pulse beneath melodic guitar lines, while resonant synth layers build a gentle yet powerful atmosphere. The production, self-recorded and mixed earlier this year in Howsie’s Finsbury Park home studio, captures a raw and organic energy that’s rarely felt in such polished electronic music. This isn’t music designed for flash — it’s music meant to be felt.
At the heart of this debut is the vocal performance by Burcu Bahar Aydin. Her rich and expressive voice brings emotional weight and cultural depth to the track. It moves effortlessly between soft vulnerability and quiet strength, giving “Magnifier” a lyrical nuance that elevates it beyond a standard electronic release. Her presence isn’t just featured — it’s integral, giving the song its soul.
Stylistically, Stomp Box Choir draw on a wide range of influences. You can hear echoes of Massive Attack’s atmospheric depth, Danger Mouse’s genre-bending touch, the timeless groove of Daft Punk, the cinematic textures of Air, and the soulful edge of Sault. But what’s most impressive is how these influences are woven together into something distinctly their own. The result is a sound that sits comfortably between electronic experimentation and classic songwriting.
“Magnifier” thrives on contrast — the interplay between clean electronic drums and organic instrumentation, between melodic hooks and atmospheric spaces. This balance reflects the duo’s philosophy: letting ideas unfold naturally without forcing them into rigid structures. Recorded partly in a Notting Hill studio but mostly in the intimate setting of a home space, the song carries the intimacy and honesty that can only come from such a creative environment.
There’s a subtle melancholic ambience throughout the track, a quiet emotional undertow that lingers long after it ends. That’s part of what makes it so effective as a debut. It doesn’t scream for attention — it draws the listener in slowly, layer by layer, creating an emotional connection that feels personal and real.
“Magnifier” isn’t just the first release from Stomp Box Choir — it’s a clear artistic statement. It showcases their commitment to emotion, freedom, and experimentation. By refusing to confine their sound to a single genre or formula, Howsie and Joe set themselves apart as artists who value substance over spectacle.
As more music develops, this debut signals a promising journey ahead. “Magnifier” stands as a soulful, textured, and genre-defying track — a first step that already feels like it comes from artists with a clear vision and voice.
English