Following on from the fantastic album Fandango I had the pleasure of reviewing The Phoenix Foundation's amazing gig in Wellington last year. I then met the gracious bearded wonders at the Vodafone music awards towards the end of 2013.
Where could they possibly go to after a year like that. Well here it Tom’s Lunch, they didn’t hang around to create this brand new 5 track EP.
The first indie sounding track Bob Lennon John Dylan is very upbeat, catchy and sounds different from the previous songs. Recorded in Wellington, NZ the track sounds rough and ready, almost dirty, and I like it a lot.
Fiscal Pickle is track 2 and again the song is noisy and metallic sounding and for some reason reminds me of Stone Roses. At 2:42 it’s the shortest track on the EP.
It’s certainly a new direction and I’m not sure if it will be to everyone’s taste, however personally I love it.
Track 3 Real Pig follows in similar good fashion to Fiscal Pickle, however Track 4 Asswipe sounds like a fill-in track, and to be honest, it’s pretty dull.
The final track Race Day is an 8 minute 9 second journey which, doesn’t quite do itself justice, and seems to fizzle out towards the end.
Even if it’s only for the first 3 songs I recommend purchasing the EP (https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/toms-lunch-ep/id860201597). I look forward to their new album, good work guys.
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.