Duane Hoover’s Magic Mirror Story Book feels like stepping through a nostalgic portal — one that blends 1960s charm with introspective modern rock. The Atlanta-based artist crafts an album that’s both reflective and refreshingly alive, offering a collection of songs that shimmer with clever lyricism and melodic richness. The opening track, “Inside World,” sets the mood beautifully with its jangly guitars and subtle melancholia. It’s an inviting introduction that feels both familiar and personal. “She Wants to Know” follows with more bite — catchy, heartfelt, and brimming with that mod-rock swagger Hoover nails so effortlessly.
“Goodnight Ladies” slows the pace, draped in dreamy harmonies that conjure the tenderness of a farewell whispered under neon lights. Then comes “Everyday Girl,” the kind of song that could’ve spun on vinyl decades ago — breezy, melodic, and hopelessly romantic. Midway through, “Even Now” deepens the emotional tone. Hoover leans into wistful reflection, creating a cinematic mood with layered guitars and haunting chords. “Bias Times” continues that momentum, confronting personal and social contradictions with sharp phrasing and a driving rhythm section.
“I Can’t Decide” is a highlight — clever, conflicted, and rhythmically bold. It’s followed by “Sea of Unknowns,” a track that feels like floating through uncertainty yet anchored by hope. “This Time” ties the theme of self-discovery together, balancing resilience with vulnerability. As the record nears its close, “Surfin Spy” bursts with playful energy, “National Hero” injects satire into soaring riffs, and “Strange Side Effects” delivers an introspective finale that lingers long after the music fades. With Magic Mirror Story Book, Duane Hoover proves that timeless songwriting never ages — it only evolves. This album captures that rare spark where nostalgia meets reinvention, reminding us that the mirror of rock still reflects something vital and new.
