THE GREAT LEAP

Phideaux is perhaps the most exciting musical discovery I've made the last few years. After going through several years where I found myself growing weary of the more well-known modern prog bands and what seems like an endless recycling of prog-rock cliches, Phideux is a true gem in that he has fully assimilated his wide variety of psychadelic and progressive influences (including artists like Jethro Tull, Van Der Graaf Generator, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd) and is offering something truly unique in the musical world.

After several listens I would have to say The Great Leap, the first of a three part trilogy of albums, is his finest work to date (this being his most recent album at the time of this review). I think Phideaux's strength is in his ability to craft addictive, melodic songs with a depth that reveals itself more upon futher listening. The Great Leap is maybe the darkest and edgiest of his albums (yet still being essentially fun to listen to)... this isn't "technical" prog with a focus on flashy time/key/tempo changes and million-note-a- second solos, but you will find beautifully arranged, varied and sohpisticated pieces of a more subtle complexity. Sometimes it's more straight ahead rock-n-roll (Wake Up, One Star), beautiful slower moving songs (I Was Thinking, Last), or the more psychadelic/multiple section pieces (You and Me..., Rainboy). Wonderfully produced, there are always interesting instrument and vocal combinations that add color and texture to the songs. It's a journey through different moods, images and emotions... a very satisfying muscial experience.

What strikes me most is that the music is geniune and doesn't come off as a recycling of old Genesis/Yes/ etc. songs or gratuitous prog cliches, even though some well known influences are there. There is truly a magical quality to Phideaux's music that I've only come across every so often in my many years of searching for new music. Highly recommended.