| CD REVIEW Phideaux |
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Band : Phideaux Back in 2007 when I reviewed Phideaux previous albums The Great Leap (28/10/2007) and Doomsday Afternoon (24/12/2007) I knew Phideaux Xavier & Co were special. The concept of the album is sweeping and grand, almost along the lines of a production from Ayreon. It includes a cast of several musicians - Phideaux Xavier / piano, acoustic guitar, electric 12 string, vocal, Rich Hutchins / drums, chant, Ariel Farber / vocals, violin, Valerie Gracious / vocals, Mathew Kennedy / electric bass, chant, Gabriel Moffat / lap steel guitar, solo & electric guitar, Linda Ruttan Moldawsky / vocals, Molly Ruttan / vocals, percussion, Mark Sherkus / keyboards, electric guitar and Johnny Unicorn / keyboards, saxophone, vocals, chant - and is terrifically orchestrated from beginning to end by main composer Phideaux Xavier. With 16 tracks, an approximate 50/50 split of instrumental and vocal, the listener can expect the usual challenging listen, with lots a tempo breaks, that most progressive rock albums are known for. The music, therefore, is both strangely familiar, yet undeniably inventive, a good blend of instrumental and vocal segments that are densely layered. There are moments of fiery guitar and powerful rhythms alternated with introspective atmospherics and idyllic piano, dark melodies carried by horns and violins, wrapped around acoustic guitars and energetic synths. This is very unique, with wide-ranging influences, all served up in an inventive mix of moods and styles that pleases on many levels, in the same league as mid-period Pink Floyd, Atomic Rooster, Il Balletto di Bronzo, Mike Oldfield, Gentle Giant, Delirium, Camel… and others. Number Seven is classy, full of sophisticated musical ideas. It will give you a great deal of enjoyment. This disc is a moving ecological battle between the crayfish and the dormouse (?), one highly recommended to the listener. Add this one to your list of must have progressive discs. 97/100 Cosmicmasseur. |