GHOST STORY

Phideaux

Crossover Prog

3.63 | 204 ratings

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Dark Nazgul

Xavier Phideaux introduce himself to prog fans.

This is the first album by Phideaux that I find really interesting. "Fiendish" contains some ideas for the future and experimental proto-songs; "Ghost Story", instead, is the real first Phideaux album of songs that it could be consider well-packaged for the audience.

The most important elements of Phideaux style are still present here: apocaliptic sounds, filtered voices, bombastic arrangement with a lot of keyboards but also space for acoustic guitars and for simple and intimate melodies. Beyond The Shadow Of Doubt is a masterpiece, the first song with a lot of references to '70s english prog bands like Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd. In this song acoustic gentle sections dominated by piano, acoustic guitar and the voice of Xavier, are followed by other more aggressive with distorted vocals, great tempo changes and a fantastic use of organ and other keyboards. The highlight of the album and one of the most beautiful song of the career of Phideaux.

Another gem is Wily Creilly: the intro with guitar, organ and filtered voices is amazing. Then the main part of the songs reminds me Pink Floyd very much, especially the Syd Barrett era (when I listen to this song my mind goes immediatly to "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play"). This song, along with Beyond The Shadow Of Doubt is the most proggy of the album.

A Curse Of Miracle, Kiteman and Feel The Radiation are very good tracks too, with excellent melodies, but also with few elements typical of progressive rock: however, these three pieces are really good, with structures built up with great use of acoustic and electric guitars. Kiteman in particular is really enjoyable.

The rest of the album is good too but maybe not at the same level. But solid three stars for this one (really near to get the fourth)!

My final rating: 6/10.

Best song: Beyond The Shadow Of Doubt

Dark Nazgul | 3/5 | 2011-5-20

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