Phoenix Spell – 'Almost In Tune / Never On The Beat': The Seattle sound!
Phoenix Spell present their debut album. The record 'Almost In Tune / Never On The Beat' has multiple elements capable of sweeping you away! One of the most important milestones for a band is the moment their first album arrives.
By Dimitris (Bari) Polyzois
Its creation is always very difficult, since every band tries to squeeze in all those elements that define it. Its goal is to introduce the band and its musical roots. True to all these principles, the Phoenix Spell presented their first record titled 'Almost In Tune / Never On The Beat', an album packed with musical elements that push the Seattle sound forward.
From formation to today
The Phoenix Spell formed in Athens in 2011 and are made up of Nick Kottis, Jimmy DL, Con Diakono and John Varvas. After some members relocated to the UK, the band is now based in both Greece and England. Their sound generally has its roots in grunge, though of course it carries plenty of elements that break away from the classic Seattle style. Their debut album arrives after a 6-year break.
On the music
The Phoenix Spell are a band pushing the classic Seattle Sound forward. To start with, the grunge sound is a very solid launchpad for anyone starting out on a musical path. The band has toned down the rough tone quite a bit and replaced it with more melodic frequencies. You could say that by now, the music moves away from Nirvana-like sounds and leans more toward Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.
The foundation of the songs is the guitar, which mostly deals in riff-based rhythms. What's impressive is the mix on every track. Listening to 'Almost In Tune / Never On The Beat' I never felt the sound thin out, which is what usually happens with bands that only have one guitar in their lineup. The rhythmic sections and the parts where the guitar takes the lead flow so smoothly you can't spot a single flaw.
Bass and drums have a more classic texture. Their rhythms lean more towards classic rock, which adds even more flavour to the style. The bass sits at a restrained volume, which makes sense to leave room for the guitar and vocals. That doesn't mean it plays second fiddle though, since its riffs run just as deep as the guitar's.
The other key element in the album's songs is the vocals. Airy and dynamic (but never overdone), they recall Pearl Jam. They add depth and elements that lean more towards grunge.
Editor's Choice: 'Gray'
This particular track has everything I personally think Phoenix Spell Phoenix Spellare trying to give us. It's the perfect example for anyone wanting to understand the band's style. The instruments play a discreet role, packed with riffs that get stuck in your head and solos that nod to classic eras. If you only listened to the instrumental mix, you might say the track sounds a lot like Led Zeppelin. But it's the vocals that bring in the grunge element and create the perfect combination. Well worth enjoying!
Credits
Produced by Jimmy DL
Recorded by Petros Petropoulos at Polyphoniki Studio (Facebook), Athens
Mixed by Petros Petropoulos at Polyphoniki Studio (Facebook), Athens
Mastered by Tony Cousins at Metropolis Studios (Facebook, Instagram), London
Band Members
Nick Kottis – Drums
Jimmy DL – Guitars
Con Diakono – Bass, Backing Vocals
John Varvas – Lead Vocals
In conclusion
'Almost In Tune / Never On The Beat' is a record with a very distinct style. You could say that Phoenix Spell give us a truly unique record. The combination creates a mosaic that takes us on a journey from Seattle to the classic UK sound. It's no exaggeration to say the band has hit its target of pushing grunge forward. All of this leaves us eagerly awaiting their next release.
