With a cover like the one provided above, and a band name that references the Spielberg's E.T., it may be evident that the New York duo Phone Home's debut EP is an embrace of the extraterrestrial-- more specifically, a utopia. This otherworldly characteristic plays a prominent role, not only within thematic terms, but also within the sounds generated by the duo. The cohesion of this EP is created by the idea that these four tracks aren't "songs" as much as they are journeys.
Phone Home's most definitive aspect lies within the metamorphic musicianship. Calming melodies bubble up from aquatic synthesizer tones while being countered by the progressively pounding drums. The instrumental (with the exception of some group woah's and ah's here and there) and skeletal talent of these musicians consults the work of bands like The Octopus Project with their linear and expansive compositions. This structural element may also yield some krautrock comparisons-- but the influence, if any, is so subtle that it may go unnoticed.
Disregarding influences, Phone Home's EP is coated with color, passion and euphoria. The urgency and interplay shaping the music provides Phone Home with an organic tinge to their already eye-opening songs. Much like observing a landscape: not only is it inviting and relaxing, but complex and astonishing as well.
[Phone Home Myspace]
[Buy/Download Phone Home from Bandcamp]
Best written review of their stuff yet, kudos
ReplyDeleteGreat! Thanks for posting this one. Really informative. With regards to the cover, I agree it was cleanly and artistically drawn.. it's awesome to have a great review like this. Thanks for the heads up too..
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