Catching them on the last night of their recent tour in Manchesters students union, I was surprised to see a sparsely filled academy. Despite being a band for over four years and with 3 albums under their belt, Phoenix do not seem to have acquired the amount of success they deserve for what I find to be, such an original and experimental band.
Delving straight into material from their most recent album Its never been like that, Phoenix portray a greater raw and boisterous sound with the 5 musicians on stage intertwining their sounds and rhythms into softer rock and distinct beats. On lead, Thomas Mars sounds considerably less French than you would imagine, but on taking pause for short breathers the introductions of Bonjour were passed between crowd and vocalist and the image of a perfectly confident yet oddly demure Frenchman were illustrated.
Whilst tracks off the new album gained modest crowd acclaim and attention (particular favourites included Rally. Napoleon Says and Consolation Prizes), there proceeded to be a pleasant revelation when old favourites were thrown out between newer material. A double whammy of Everything is everything and If I ever feel better evoked genuine cheers from the crowd and it was evident that Mars and his band were grateful for their adorning fan base. However slight disappointment was hard to hide at how these songs sounded more rock n roll rather than electro, and I feel a change of tone to these songs was not necessarily the wisest move but most definitely a brave one. Too Young proved to be the strongest of encores I have seen for a while and a most definite crowd pleaser.
A well created and thought out hour of music, with some eye pleasing lighting wizardry and an intimate enough crowd to feel involved. Phoenix are back with a kick and some determination in them. Les garçons bien faits.
article by: Kate Robinson
published: 27/10/2006 11:58
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.