Customer Reviews

Amphibian

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Could this be The Changelings' best album? Sure. But you probably will never get people to settle on a favorite Changelings album, let alone a "best." It's really up to you.

While I usually recommend Terra Firma as the closest thing to a quintessential Changelings album, Amphibian is actually the one I reach for most often. Amphibian captures the band at its most playful, from Caterwaul's cat after a snack to harpsichordian Afternoon of a Newt to the pirate ode Port Royale sung by guitarist Damon Young. This is as lighthearted a recording as you'll get from a band this serious about refusing to be pidgeonholed.

The Middle Pillar re-release contains bonus tracks from the Mercury e.p., including Flowers Cover Your Eyes, which may have surprised some in the band by becoming something of a hit in some circles and dance clubs.

Trivia and even more trivia: An early version of Caterwaul appeared on the 1999 compilation "A Cat-Shaped Hole In My Heart." The Frog Song made a list of top songs about Atlanta in Stomp and Stammer, a homegrown Atlanta monthly.

"Amphibian" is by far the best collection of The Changelings work from the 1990s. The hardest working band in Atlanta's underground music scene, The Changelings were the go-to band for an electrifying night of the ethereal and surreal. Their musical style is beyond the lame definitions of world-music, goth, electronica, etc. Each song on the disk is a unique combination of the skills of five very different, incredibly talented musicians.

Regeana Morris, gifted with that strange vocal power of glossolalia, displays her song writing talents to enhance her already haunting voice. Erie, terrifying and thrilling violin melodies by Paul Mercer almost become a voice unto themselves. Veteran musician Nick Pagan creates the body of the music with keyboard melodies and rhythms par excellence. The addition of guitar player Damon Young's vocal contributions on some tracks gives the music a depth and vibrato not heard before. Last but definitely not least, beat master Chandler Rentz brings form and bone-like strength to each song with his drum and synthesizer work. Each member has never sounded better. The songs have never sounded so delicious. And each one of them brings the synthesis of musical genius to a level previous releases never achieved.

If you missed them the first time, don't deprive yourself of a rare treat. Sadly, their early releases are now out of print and the band is "pursuing other projects." But if we all wish very hard, The Changelings may reappear on a misty night like a gift from mischievious elves or faeries. But don't look away, because they may not be there when you look back. Such is the nature of rare, supernatural visions.