Magic

Rock ’n’ roll didn’t die, it just went to rehab. Sacramento’s own “occult gospel garage punk commune” the Red Tyger Church emerges phoenix-like from the ashes with Magic, a self-produced album that actually doesn’t suck. Things kick off nicely with “Summer’s Coming,” an ode to “Champagne Supernova” that substitutes tape hiss for gurgling waterfall sounds, then devolves into a jarring, bluesy rave-up reminiscent of the Yardbirds. An enticing mélange of ’60s psychedelia and glam-rock decadence permeates the album’s 18 tracks, reaching its zenith on “Submarine,” “Pray for the Jocks” and “Daydreamer.” As with any born-again band, there’s the occasional false step—the call-and-response shtick on “Come Over” is embarrassingly goofy—but, overall, Magic lives up to its ambitious title.