SNOWTORCH

One might wonder why I even bother commenting on another album by Phideaux after already acknowledging that Doomsday Afternoon was clearly not intended for the likes of me. I guess that I just couldn't believe the unanimous cheer that has spread all throughout the Internet with the release of Snowtorch.

I've decided to spread my listening experience over the course of the last few weeks in order to make the music gradually grow on me. This has unfortunately not happened since all I hear is an empty shell of an album filled with many references to the golden days of prog. There is literally not a single moment where the music would go out of the comfort zone of an old school progressive rock fan. Let's be clear about this, there is no such thing as retro prog since it pretty much defeats the entire existence of the progressive rock genre to begin with!

I do like the fact that Phideaux keeps things brief and to the point with Snowtorch. The two-part epic is definitely the highlight that deserves an album of its own without any unnecessary filler material added in-between the two parts. It's a pity that I can't hear past all the references to the original masters since this music can easily be classified as prog candy to most of the fans. Personally, I prefer to indulge in the main course before getting to desert, which ultimately would result in me indulging in the classics of the '70s and ultimately leaving Phideaux albums for later.

There is really no point of me shouting from the roofs about this music being completely unoriginal and shallow since it won't stop people from experiencing it first hand. The only thing that I ask of is that you have at least heard most of the essential classics before you start praising Snowtorch for its creativity. There is nothing wrong with the music itself and so an average rating is clearly in place here.

**** star songs: Snowtorch - Part One (19:43) Snowtorch - Part Two (16:29)

*** star songs; Helix (5:54) . (2:40)