The No Guitars EP suggested that Helium was expanding their sound past the wonderful, angular indie rock of The Dirt of Luck, and The Magic City confirms that suspicions. A rich, colorful array of sounds, The Magic City blends lo-fi indie-rock with '70s prog rock. Mary Timony is a sharp songwriter, and she balances her instrumental excesses with remarkable introspective lyrics. Surprisingly, the sitars, keyboards, and harpsichords are not indulgences -- they're integral to the sound of the record, making The Magic City sound alternately fantastical and frightening. It's an impressive leap forward, confirming Helium's status as one of the '90s' best indie-rock bands. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide