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The Phoenix Foundation - Happy Ending
20 Dec 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
After such success from ‘Pegasus’ it was exciting to hear what direction The Phoenix Foundation had taken with their new album- 'Happy Ending'. I like the album and its casual holiday appeal, with up beat happy tunes like ‘Bright Grey’ and ‘Bleaching Sun’, but opening singles aside; the album showcases all of the song writing talent that is The Phoenix Foundation.
Being a Scott dominated album brings more single song writing to the forefront, but along with the Scott inspired hits like ‘Irrelevant Noise’ and ‘Pure joy’, which once again highlight his angst riddled vocals, the album also includes undertones of the prog rock which makes this band produce such compelling live performances.
Along with the instrumental power of ‘Omerta’, the rest of the album has a large orchestral section to it which draws more out of the seemingly singular form of the album at face value.
The highlights of the album for me were definitely ‘Gandalf’, which with the help of an Arp Odyssey is a soothing, natural piece. And ’40 Years’ with its ‘moving forward’ character and confidence shows exactly where this band is at right now.
‘Happy Ending’ is going to be heard from many discman to tape player adapting systems this summer for sure. Holiday pleasing goodness.
Craig Johnson
4/5
After such success from ‘Pegasus’ it was exciting to hear what direction The Phoenix Foundation had taken with their new album- 'Happy Ending'. I like the album and its casual holiday appeal, with up beat happy tunes like ‘Bright Grey’ and ‘Bleaching Sun’, but opening singles aside; the album showcases all of the song writing talent that is The Phoenix Foundation. Being a Scott dominated album brings more single song writing to the forefront, but along with the Scott inspired hits like ‘Irrelevant Noise’ and ‘Pure joy’, which once again highlight his angst riddled vocals, the album also includes undertones of the prog rock which makes this band produce such compelling live performances.
Along with the instrumental power of ‘Omerta’, the rest of the album has a large orchestral section to it which draws more out of the seemingly singular form of the album at face value.
The highlights of the album for me were definitely ‘Gandalf’, which with the help of an Arp Odyssey is a soothing, natural piece. And ’40 Years’ with its ‘moving forward’ character and confidence shows exactly where this band is at right now.
‘Happy Ending’ is going to be heard from many discman to tape player adapting systems this summer for sure. Holiday pleasing goodness.
Craig Johnson
4/5
Happy Ending
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About The Phoenix Foundation
With a career releasing and performing such a diverse range of music they appeal to any demographic. Their recent releases of Give Up Your Dreams, Fandango and Buffalo, have seen them receive high acclaim from publications such as Mojo, Q, Uncut, NME and The Guardian. BBC Radio Personalities such as Lauren Laverne and Jarvis Cocker are fans. They have performed on stages around the globe from ‘…Later with Jools Holland’ (BBC TV) to The Big Day Out to Glastonbury.
They have written soundtracks for many TV Shows, Commercials and Films, including New Zealand’s Top grossing film of all time Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Boy and Eagle Vs Shark by Oscar Nominee director Taika Waititi.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Phoenix Foundation
Releases
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The Phoenix Foundation - Wellington Opera House 17/11/2007
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