(5 Tracks CDEP/Demo Self Released)
As soon as i put this on i could tell i'd like it, though if you were not aware of the band yopu'd think by the name they were emo, this is not the case. Phinius Gage a four piece from Brighton, haven't been going that long and this is their first release/demo and from the back of this i would not be surprised if a label shows interest in them. In all departments this is pretty sound, 5 catchy as hell songs in the pace of Good Riddance or 88 Finger Louie but sounding at times similar to Millencolin, i think that's more down to the vocals as the singer is English but sounds like he has a slight Scandinavian accent on this release (though i didn't pick that up when i saw them live). Strange though neveer been uinto Millencolin that much but i like this. All the songs cover issues that the band feel strongly about, for instance my personal favorite on the CD 'Corporate Whore' is about people that try to make a solo carrier out of a second rate previous band. All the songs on this release are in the same vein and after about 3 listens you'll be singing along happily. This EP is currently available for download from their site so check it out or get in contact with them to get a copy, it's well worth it
Summary : Another impressive demo release and will certainly put Phinius Gage on the melodic hardcore map.
from www.ukbase.org
Opener 'Different Dream' kicks off and immediately the bands' influences hit you smack in the face. The initial riff screams "Pennywise" - it's almost like the band lifted it straight from 'Straight Ahead' and stuck their name on it. It's that familiar "heard it all before" feeling that lodges in your mind on initial listen, only this time it verges on proper deja-vu, such is the similarity. That said, it's not a particularly bad tune, the band still manage to exude plenty of energy and the melodic chorus does a good job of retaining interest over its three minute course.
'Spin', featured last November on Radio 1's Evening Session, starts off with great "Ignition"-era-Offspring style, overlaid with some catchy vocals; vocalists Damo and Ade do a good job combining on the choruses, providing the first real sing-a-long moment of the release so far. The guitar solo is, unfortunately, lamentable - is this the best you could do guys? Mercifully it only lasts a few bars, and the band soon right themselves to finish the track in the appropriate style.
Probably the weakest point in the track is provided by third track 'The Wonderful'. Psuedo-ska guitar intro with a hardcore-style chorus whine of "Won't somebody help me?" and over-the-top solos doesn't win them any friends. It's boring, tedious, and shall not be spoken of any more.
Thank God, then, that the band abandon their brief nose-dive in favour of what they do best - 'Corporate Whore' sees them return with the standout track of the CD. With a punchy baseline to intro, layered up with good harmonies on guitar and a nice bit of palm-muting through the choruses, the band finally show what they're capable of when they put their minds to it. After a couple of listens the tune buries itself in the back of your mind and refuses to move - you *will* be humming this all day, I guarantee.
Finale 'Life Back' is darker affair than the other tracks, and after the previous highlight, feels bland and unexciting. Again, it's not by any means a bad track; despite its flaws its still an eminently listenable offering - it's just compared to great stuff you just heard it's nothing special.
Overall, it's a fair record. It's been well produced, with a good, clean sound, and there's something to interest most. Worth buying? For �4 including p&p, probably. Don't expect to be blown away by a great new sound, but give it a try and you'll realise there's a couple of genuinely good songs and a whole heap of potential for the taking.
Dan
taken from www.punktastic.com