"Pangaea Girls (Magic Feeling)" is the opening track from Candy Claws’ acclaimed third album, Ceres & Calypso in the Deep Time (2013). The band, hailing from Fort Collins, Colorado, is known for their lush blend of dream pop, neo-psychedelia, and shoegaze, often blending themes of natural history with retro and futuristic sounds123.
- Album: Ceres & Calypso in the Deep Time (2013)
- Band: Candy Claws (Ryan Hover, Karen Hover, Hank Bertholf)
- Genre: Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Neo-psychedelia123
- Track Length: Approx. 3:114
- Notable for: Swirling textures, intricate melodies, and whimsical, densely layered production.
Song Characteristics
- Sound: The track features airy, reverb-heavy vocals, shimmering synths, and complexly arranged percussion. This style creates a lush, “underwater” or prehistoric atmosphere reminiscent of both classic psychedelic pop and modern dream pop562.
- Lyrics & Theme: Like much of the album, the song deals with surreal, imaginative journeys—here, a tale of girls from the primordial supercontinent Pangaea imbued with a “magic feeling.” Lyrics are often poetic and cryptic, with images of ancient landscapes, innocence, and exploration woven throughout.
- Production: Dense and detailed, the track makes use of layered instrumentation and effects to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, adventure, and wonder. The album lyrics were written in collaboration with poet Jenn Morea2.
- Reception: The song and album have achieved cult status, praised for their originality and immersive conceptual framework6.
“Ceres & Calypso in the Deep Time”
- The concept album imagines a journey through prehistoric times, blending mythical storytelling with sound design that mirrors passing through ancient epochs. "Pangaea Girls (Magic Feeling)" sets the tone for this narrative adventure6.
- Over the years, the record’s reputation has grown, with special anniversary editions and renewed critical interest12.
Legacy and Influence
- The song is one of Candy Claws’ most popular tracks on streaming platforms, representing their unique approach to dream pop and psychedelic music8.
- Candy Claws’ style has influenced later dream pop and shoegaze acts, and members have since gone on to form the band Sound of Ceres12.
Notable Lyrics (Excerpt)
“And I say I can feel
The magic feeling
It’s a magic feeling”
"Pangaea Girls (Magic Feeling)" stands as a modern classic in dream pop, renowned for its whimsical, immersive production and imaginative narrative, capturing the spirit of exploration and wonder that defines Candy Claws’ work.
