Wiscinsonites have reason to puff out their collective chests. Why? Well fellow brothers (and sister Monica Martin) in arms PHOX just released their beautiful self-titled debut album and it is an ode to joy. And if you heard, and fell head over heels with PHOX’s previous Confetti EP, expect more of the same here. No, not really expect more and more is exactly what their beautifully well structured album delivers.
The expansive 12-song offering dumps illegal amounts of dopamine into the bloodstream and compels you to take notice. From album opener Calico Man to the heart breaking Slow Motion, the playful Evil all done up in jaunty rhythms. This is an album steeped in honest musicianship, and the six members Of PHOX do themselves proud. The songwriting, the arrangements and Monica Martin’s unbelievable vocals all coalesce into something akin to sustenance. For these songs nurture and provide a barrier against the big bad world, if only for a little. And with songs like the stunning Laura, a song which turns the night sky into a slow-spinning disco ball. And right around the corner Shrieking Violets comes along draping a kind arm around your shoulder… hearts prolific in plain view.
And then comes Noble Heart and my own heart becomes but a fool in love with sound all over again, like a deaf man hearing birdsong for the first time. This song is iridescent and bubbly, my ear straining to the final note.
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As the album approaches it’s conclusion it offer up a gift, unleashing the tidal under tow of Raspberry Seed, this song, although adorned with Ms. Martin’s vocals it gives way to glorious rapture. at 2:22 the bow breaks and floods all that you are with the entire sun, moon and stars.
In Due Time closes the alum traipsing among ringing echoes of the sung songs, and the vibratory resonances hanging in the air between listener and sweet melody. All in all PHOX has done a beautiful job and not only wowing us but making us much more. Peace.
1. Calico Man
2. Leisure
3. Slow Motion
4. 1936
5. Evil
6. Laura
7. Kingfisher
8. Shrinking Violets
9. Satyr and the Faun
10. Noble Heart
11. Raspberry Seed
12. In Due Time
Tour Dates 2014
06/24 – Omaha NE @ Waiting Room
06/25 – Kansas City MO @ Riot Room
06/27 – Austin TX @ Stubbs Jr.
06/28 – Dallas TX @ Three Links
06/30 – Phoenix AZ @ The Western
07/01 – Los Angeles CA @ Echo
07/03 – San Francisco CA @ The Chapel
07/05 – Portland OR @ Mississippi Studios
07/06 – Seattle WA @ The Crocodile
07/08 – Salt Lake City UT @ State Room
07/09 – Denver CO @ Hi-Dive
07/11 – St Louis MO @ Duck Room
07/12 – Champaign IL @ Mariposa Music Fest
07/13 – Nashville TN @ High Watt
07/15 – Birmingham AL @ Bottletree
07/16 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
07/17 – Asheville NC @ Grey Eagle
07/18 – Chapel Hill NC @ Local 506
07/19 – Washington DC @ The Hamilton
07/21 – Philadelphia PA @ Boot & Saddle
07/22 – Brooklyn NY @ Knitting Factory
07/23 – New York NY @ Mercury Lounge
07/25 – Newport TI @ Newport Folk Fest
07/28 – Montreal QC @ Casa Del Popolo
07/29 – Toronto ON @ The Drake
07/31 – Cleveland OH @ Grog Shop
08/01 – Detroit MI @ Magic Stick
08/03 – Green Bay WI @ Meyer Theatre
08/04 – Minneapolis MN @ 7th Street Entry
08/06 – Milwaukee WI @ Turner Hall
08/07 – Madison WI @ High Noon
08/08 – Madison WI @ High Noon
08/09 – Chicago IL @ Lincoln Hall