29 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

The Phoenix Foundation - Fandango Album Review

12 May 2013 // A review by Chris Chick

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.

 

About The Phoenix Foundation

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.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Phoenix Foundation

Releases

Life Boat
Year: 2021
Type: EP
Friend Ship
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Give Up Your Dreams
Year: 2015
Type: Album
Buy Online @ Mightyape
Tom's Lunch
Year: 2014
Type: EP
Buy Online @ Mightyape
Fandango
Year: 2013
Type: Album
Buy Online @ Mightyape
Buffalo
Year: 2010
Type: Album
Merry Kriskmass
Year: 2009
Type: Album
Happy Ending
Year: 2007
Type: Album
Pegasus
Year: 2005
Type: Album
Horse Power
Year: 2003
Type: Album
China Cove
Year: 2001
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Chris Chick

Ravenhall - Album Review: Brother
09 Feb 2024 // by Chris Chick
Listening to music should evoke an emotional response, to evoke a response that is both positive and uplifting is very difficult to do. I am sure those at the top of their game can argue that it is a talent that comes easy to them, but all the unseen variables that come into play through just living, making friends, going through the highs and lows of life.
Read More...
Furniss Brothers - Album Review: Drift Away
08 Dec 2023 // by Chris Chick
The Furniss Brothers comes to us with the 12-track album Drift Away, which is really apropos to how my mind felt whilst listening to this beauty. I am not going to lie, at one point I was so relaxed, I feared my heart had stopped.
Read More...
Lost Tribe Aotearoa - EP Review: Lost & Found
14 Jun 2023 // by Chris Chick
I am a true ‘noob’ when it comes to the Lost Tribe Aotearoa, so I can assure you and the band that this will be as unbiased as possible. After hearing the first song, I think it is going to be hard to stay that way all the way through this review.
Read More...
Late to Chelsea - EP Review: LTC
17 Feb 2023 // by Chris Chick
When it comes to the soundtrack of anyone’s life, I am pretty sure the counter cultural sounds and motives of the punk movement would have influenced you at some time. Every generation needs its punk bands even if it's just the opportunity to not take yourself too seriously and enjoy the madness that is life and music.
Read More...
Corrella - Single Review: Skankin
09 Dec 2022 // by Chris Chick
Oh yes, the summer vibes are in town and Corrella is starting the skank off without delay. Is there any other type of music that reflects New Zealand during the summertime as the ska/reggae vibes that permeated from the West Indies.
Read More...
EP Review: Bird Machine
24 Nov 2022 // by Chris Chick
Bird Machine are releasing their self-titled EP, the twosome brings a vibe of a New Zealand and Australian alt rock and dream pop to your ears. All these songs are remarkably performed, recorded, and produced from their home-based studio in the wonderful city of Hamilton.
Read More...
The Black Seeds - Album Review: Love & Fire
15 Jul 2022 // by Chris Chick
What a privilege it is to review a legendary band that is The Black Seeds. The band has been entertaining and soothing the ears of many a listener now since 1998.
Read More...
The Hootz - Single Review: Stay Away
06 May 2022 // by Chris Chick
Hailing from the Garden City and just a short 15-minute drive from yours truly, the 4-piece band known as The Hootz are releasing their upcoming single Stay Away. This song has a very melancholy vibe to it, but not in the sense of it being a negative thing, if anything it has a very Summer vibe feel to it.
Read More...
View All Articles By Chris Chick

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem