Let's start by rehashing the past: Fandango was long, progressive and ambitious while Buffalo emphasised something new and quirky. So what have we got to look forward to with The Phoenix Foundation’s sixth studio album, Give Up Your Dreams? Revival comes to mind, which is quite appropriate with new drummer Chris O'Connor (replacing Richie Singleton) making his mark on his first LP with the band.
In true Phoenix Foundation style, opening track 'Mountain' leads with the usual dreamy psychedelic vibes. An array of streaming guitars with a late ‘80s feel to it, but with a revitalised band that are showing us just how much they enjoy playing together. O'Connor's almost tribal drumming alongside some dreamy guitar rhythms is a satisfying start.
Up next is the more playful 'Bob Lennon John Dylan'. A reprise from 2014's Tom's Lunch EP and is such a mash up of electrics, ethereal piano and warped guitars that you can’t help but "feel the love", as vocalist Luke Buda sings.
The electronics come into full swing with 'Playing Dead', with the hypnotic beats and chanting lyrics "Playing dead / Cheating death" overpowering the mind. Heavily based on synths and electronic rhythms, it's a far cry from what the band are comfortable with, but it appears as if the risk is worth it. Whilst this track was one that the group say they found the most problematic recording, the constant repetition and rather simplistic chorus means it will be sticking in your noggin for quite a while.
'Prawn' is like an interlude. Nothing overexerting and not much to note on other than a pleasantly beachy, psychedelic tune. Then in comes a change of mood with 'Jason' and its rather obscure musings of Buda singing about the back problems of his wife and bandmate Samuel Flynn Scott, but defiantly finishes with “I’m tired and unfit / But I’m still up for it!”
Bringing back a melody into the mix is 'Celestial Bodies'. With constant thrumming of the drums, it comes across as very soulful and mystical. Scott has said that: "The vocal samples take it right to the edge of silliness but it never quite tips over, just hanging in there between the honest and the absurd." Quite possibly the highlight of the LP.
While the album does have its run of the mill tracks, the titular track 'Give Up Your Dreams' brings it all together. Being such a dreary title, you don't expect it to be as upbeat as it is. But if you listen carefully, the band take this phrase optimistically. As Scott has said on the track, we all need to let go, worry less and enjoy reality instead of wanting more.
In all, this album is definitely a different approach to its predecessors. It's a progression and emphasises that the band are more comfortable in themselves to bring us such piece. It's the same but it's not. Rather than topping the mammoth that was Fandango, they have come back with something that reconnects them as a band.
Give Up Your Dreams is available from Amazon and iTunes.
