Local Review – The Phoenix Band

http://www.myspace.com/thephoenixband

The Phoenix band are a Keith based rock/electro outfit, and are due to play The Tunnels in Aberdeen this Saturday (30/06/2007). Their EP ‘Never Gonna Work in This Town Again’ is the subject of our latest local review.

Having listened to the EP extensively, I can say that this is easily the finest work by a Local band we have reviewed in HOLV’s rather short history. The Phoenix Band’s approach is refreshing – the tracks are thought about and structured well. The use of different instruments and effects are a welcome change from the ‘trash rock’ approach of some local bands I have encountered over the years.

The first track ‘Your Built like a Car … Oh Yeah’ is a great opener – the first few seconds instantly tell you that the EP is going to be something different. It’s an all out electro sound – the vocals also compliment the effects well without ever being overpowering.

The second track ‘Is the Circle Complete’ is a more stripped down affair, and again is a good listen. The track has a nice beat – it’s uplifting but the tempo never gets quite fast enough to become overly aggressive.

The third track ‘The Saint and Satan’ shows the band jamming together really well. It starts off with a thumping baseline, before the whole band get together and show off their skills. This is a sign of a confident band, and again this would sound great live.

The tempo steps up a gear on the penultimate track ‘Other Side of Midnight’. It’s the first track on the EP were the guitar is really prominent, resulting in a more ‘rocky’ sound. It’s a nice short burst at just over 2 minutes in length.

Lastly ‘Rising Tide’ is probably the most commercial friendly song on the EP – but this is by no means a criticism. It’s the closest thing to a ballad on the EP, and the vocals are performed excellently with a hint of emotion.

The Phoenix Band have a long list of influences on their Myspace page, and it’s clear that they’ve been listening to the right stuff. Their debut EP is certainly a fine piece of work. Those of you in the Aberdeen area could do no worse than head down to the Tunnels this Saturday to see the band live for yourselves.

Written By Greg