Phil Stoodley - No Surprise Album Review
Phil Stoodley brings his debut album No Surprise via a humble free download from his website http://www.philstoodley.com/. It's nice to see musicians allowing the public the chance to hear them for free.
Phil has obvious talent; you will hear this when you listen to the album. His almost heavenly voice straight away makes me want to listen to more songs. The first three songs encompass the listener into a thoughtful contemplation not only because the melodic sound and voice, but also because of the inspiring words that I’m sure everyone has experienced at one point in their life.
In No Surprise, the title track, I was expecting a thunderous appraisal of music but was sadly disappointed by a mediocre song that I feel could have been better highlighted with Phil’s apparent strong point, his voice. The final three songs did not inspire me to leave this album with a cheeky smile on my face, quite the contrary I was a little underwhelmed especially after the bright emotional start.
There is no doubt that Phil has an extraordinary voice that could capture one’s heart during a romantic dinner, or two lovers expressing their love for one another for the first time. His music and words at times are a pleasure to hear and resound the emotional chord that is strummed on numerous occasions. The flat ending to the album really put me off. Some of the great works through the ages have had some mouldy apples somewhere in the album but the beginning and end have always made you forget.
In conclusion this is not a groundbreaking debut album by any means but there is enough to suggest that Phil has enough talent to produce better. I will be waiting eagerly for him to prove me right. The production of the album is very well done and sounds crisp. The album is worth downloading not just because it’s free but the first three songs are very good and will touch a nerve you never knew you had.
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About Phil Stoodley
Phil’s early path as a musician was forged touring across New Zealand both on stage in various bands and off stage working in music production. The early 2000's saw him touring the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia as a session player for one of New Zealand’s best-loved and multi-platinum selling bands The Feelers, which led to a number of successful musical ventures including Phil’s own rock band Stoods and the opening slot for international bands including Velvet Revolver, Simple Minds, and Neil Finn.
Over the years, Phil’s recognition grew with his debut single Waiting For Thursday, a self-produced album No Surprise and his work as co-writer and producer for Hanna Grace's debut album Concrete & Roses and single In The Rain, along with compositions for TV, film, and commercials. 2012 saw the EP release of the electronic project Shaker Zulu - Funking Bell, a collaboration project with New Zealand's piano/ keys extraordinaire Andy Keys.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Phil Stoodley
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