In a world teetering on the edge of collapse, where a civilization lost in its own missteps crumbles under the weight of its excesses, the Earth's elites—the architects of its downfall—abandon the planet, their eyes turned toward the stars in a desperate bid to secure their power. Amid the chaos and devastation of this apocalyptic future, however, a faint glimmer of hope emerges. With the worst of humanity gone, those who remain are finally free to rebuild, unshackled from the corruption and greed that once held them captive. It’s a rare opportunity to begin again!
Enter Denver-based jam quartet The Magic Beans and their bold new effort, Impendo Destructo. The album brings this vision to life, painting a vivid portrait of a society ravaged by deception and human folly. Yet, like any great sci-fi saga, there is still a sliver of redemption, and in this dystopian world, The Magic Beans choose to lead with optimism. Drawing parallels to our own world’s struggles, Impendo Destructo fuses thought-provoking themes and face-melting rock 'n' roll to tell its compelling and evolving story. It’s The Magic Beans’ most ambitious work to date, showcasing the long-tenured Denver band at their creative zenith.
The journey begins with “Obscure the Sun,” a futuristic instrumental thriller that sets the psychedelic tone for the album. Driven by heavy synthesizers from keyboardist Casey Russell, the track catapults listeners into hyperspace, evoking mesmerizing tones and intricate keyboard layering reminiscent of early The New Deal. With its cinematic build, it feels like a high-stakes diamond heist or a pulse-pounding race down the Autobahn. The track drips with cosmic synth work, drawing out the space-age themes and adding depth to the narrative.
Next comes the title track and first single, “Impendo Destructo,” and it’s an absolute powerhouse of a tune. Themes of destruction and revolution pulse through the song, as frontman Scott Hachey sings, “As the rich take to the moon, leaving everything in ruin, those of us left behind… We can do it better this time!” The track oozes with the signature Moog tones of the Beans, delivering a smooth, growling synth sound that perfectly blends '70s rock influence with modern funk.
“Having grown up with Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and others, I’m just steeped in that sound, and I think there’s lots of elements that lend themselves to our band. I wrote this one ’cause I wanna rock, that’s about it,” says lead guitarist and frontman Scott Hachey. “The lyrics and concept really just come from growing up being a nerd and not taking music so seriously—playing RPGs, watching Star Wars, cartoons, & conspiracy YouTube videos. There also seem to be a lot of apocalyptic scenarios being played out in the media, and I wanted to flip it around to be positive.”
Flying through hyperspace while staying grounded in their jam-band roots, the album continues to take us on an interstellar journey with tracks like “To The Pods” and “Black & Blue,” which invite listeners to dance through the cosmos and play among the stars. Bassist Chris Duffy anchors the sound with a smooth, accessible bassline that gives the band the stability they need to paint their expansive, cosmic picture. Each member plays their part with patience, allowing the tracks to gradually unfold and release in all the right ways, showcasing a seamless display of chemistry that has been honed over years of constant touring and collaborative jamming.
Drummer Cody Wales provides the pulse behind these driving tracks, skillfully layering intricate rhythms over four-on-the-floor beats, creating a danceable atmosphere for the listener. Tracks like “The Table” and “Senses” stay rooted in the band’s jam-band origins, with a more traditional style. “The Table,” in particular, stretches beyond seven minutes, offering ample room for live improvisation. The chorus—“As you get older, where do you draw the line? All that they told you was everything would be fine. Over and over, it only makes sense in time”—reverberates throughout the track, with the song’s jam-band qualities echoing the early sounds of their Colorado counterparts, The String Cheese Incident.
The brilliance of Impendo Destructo lies in its ability to honor The Magic Beans’ roots while propelling their sound into new, uncharted territory. Anchored by Moog-driven jams and tracks primed to explode in the live setting, the album adds a futuristic, space-age twist that perfectly aligns with the energy of 2025. “Set Me Free” is a prime example of this innovation—melding jam-band spirit with a house-influenced groove. The track builds through looping samples and resonant choruses, layering itself like a celestial bakery in the heart of outer space. These songs are tailor-made for the live experience, bursting with untapped potential for long-form improvisation and spontaneous exploration. Imagine if Daft Punk and The Disco Biscuits collaborated to craft a soundtrack for the next Ocean’s Eleven—the result would be something very close to Impendo Destructo. It’s a heavy, driving force that will have listeners dancing with abandon.
At its core, the album is a masterclass in blending modern psychedelia with '70s rock 'n' roll, weaving themes of resistance, corruption, and perseverance into its fabric. Its deep, driving basslines and lush, atmospheric textures captivate the listener from the very first note and keep them hooked throughout. This is undoubtedly one of The Magic Beans’ most inventive and ambitious works to date, and fans are sure to fall in love with its bold new direction. If you’re looking to experience the full force of Impendo Destructo, be sure to catch The Magic Beans live on tour this summer, and don’t miss their annual Beanstalk Music Festival in Bond, Colorado, featuring an incredible lineup of musical acts you won’t want to miss.
