No relation to the pro wrestler, The Phoenix Foundation bring us their newest collaboration of music Fandango. The first track Black Mould sets up the whole album, a hypnotic, lazy boy afternoon in the sun experience, preferably with a view of glistening snowy mountain tops, which fortunately is never to far away when you are in the South Island.
The second track Modern Rock embodies the raunchy guitar sound which is complimented with a hypnotic drum beat. A perfect song for relaxing, I had images of slipping into an extremely hot, lavender soaked bath, that just washed away all the stresses of daily life. The Captain and Thames Soup sends the listener hurtling back to the 1980’s with a well used synthesiser sound that really brings these song’s to life, at one point I was ready to lose myself and play some Devo loud and proud over my stereo system.
My favourite song on this album is Supernatural the blend of music really fits the laid back singing style, and also captures my far away state that I sometimes love to embrace when my mind meets nothingness. This normally happens between 8 – 9pm every night, which will now be fittingly called the Fandango hour.
The track Evolution Did deals with the controversial topic between evolution and creation. It’s very difficult not to be judgemental with whatever side of the fence you lean on, but with the lyrics aside, the musical content is again a pleasure to listen to. My only qualm with this album is a lack of inspiration that a mixed sound would give the listener. I like albums to have me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, where as Fandango keeps me hypnotised all the way through, much like a Wellington Phoenix game. The rest of the album fits this mould, but again the musical content is well produced and has a very clear cut sound.
If you want a band that’s raucous, in your face, and will bring a sweaty mosh pit to your front room, then I’m afraid you are riding the wrong white swan. This band can be described in two simple terms, harmonious and dreamy. I use the term dreamy in its most positive form and not an analogy for those who have been under the influence.
The Phoenix Foundation get’s a unanimous thumbs up from me.
The Phoenix Foundation have been performing and producing music together for just on 20 years. As one of New Zealand's most accomplished acts, they have either won or been nominated for every music industry award NZ has to offer.
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.