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Editorial Reviews
From the bottom there is only one place to look...upward. From the pit comes opportunity for new plateaus. And from a place of seeming hopelessness a chance for inspiration results, a chance to defy the odds and rise again.
Phoenix is our rebirth, frontman and songwriter Matt MacDonald reflects. Conceptually, it's about the time spent in the ashes, between death and this new life, wondering if we d ever get out. The whole process has restored our hope in the value of what we do. Our Kickstarter backers have restored our confidence that we are not alone and that there is still work to be done.
TCC has always been known for their ability to meld accessibility with experimentation. With a singular sound, they have always rested somewhere between pop/rock, emo, indie, and post-hardcore. On Phoenix, the band has honed this balance to perfection, with every element of their array of artistry on full display; Phoenix comes complete with singular instrumentation, unparalleled emotion, and uncanny melody. But the element which makes this new release soar above their catalogue is the spirit of reawakening that came as a result of partnering directly with their fans.
I think we're less afraid to do what we want this time around, MacDonald explains. We were less afraid to do things that wouldn t sound perfect live, to dream up parts that maybe we wouldn t have previously because we may have been afraid to try it. The comfort of knowing our fans have our back brought out our best efforts, and our deepest creativity. I can t stress that enough. Knowing that they are behind us, we felt completely rejuvenated and reborn.
After raising the funds necessary to deliver a record that was up to the high sonic standards of their previous efforts, TCC embarked on a journey into uncharted waters; MacDonald wore not only songwriting and vocal hats this time around, but the production hat as well. And for very good reason-this allowed the band the extra time necessary to make the record the best it could possibly be.
I had an extra two months to work on vocals and programming, which is unheard of in a normal recording situation. One of the reasons I produced the album is because I wanted to sit with the songs as the parts marinated so I could add more when I was inspired to. We couldn't have done it if we booked 4 weeks with another producer, because we would have been on a schedule and would have been saying Good enough, let s move on much more than I'd like to.
Ultimately, Phoenix is therapy; therapy for The Classic Crime, therapy for MacDonald and hopefully, therapy for all those who face a hopeless scenario in their lives. It is the medicine that many need an honest record from an honest, fearless band with genuine supporters.
Music has been a way for me to name my struggles over the past few years, and the best way for me to heal is to hear these songs done, and to know exactly what I felt when I wrote them. It's also so meaningful to know that somebody out there might feel the same way and use my words to articulate their own struggle... it's just powerful stuff. Music is a personal thing for me, so I'll always write songs, but it's also magic in a sense that it connects you on a deep level with the people who hear it. Nothing brings us together like mutual struggle.
Phoenix is our rebirth, frontman and songwriter Matt MacDonald reflects. Conceptually, it's about the time spent in the ashes, between death and this new life, wondering if we d ever get out. The whole process has restored our hope in the value of what we do. Our Kickstarter backers have restored our confidence that we are not alone and that there is still work to be done.
TCC has always been known for their ability to meld accessibility with experimentation. With a singular sound, they have always rested somewhere between pop/rock, emo, indie, and post-hardcore. On Phoenix, the band has honed this balance to perfection, with every element of their array of artistry on full display; Phoenix comes complete with singular instrumentation, unparalleled emotion, and uncanny melody. But the element which makes this new release soar above their catalogue is the spirit of reawakening that came as a result of partnering directly with their fans.
I think we're less afraid to do what we want this time around, MacDonald explains. We were less afraid to do things that wouldn t sound perfect live, to dream up parts that maybe we wouldn t have previously because we may have been afraid to try it. The comfort of knowing our fans have our back brought out our best efforts, and our deepest creativity. I can t stress that enough. Knowing that they are behind us, we felt completely rejuvenated and reborn.
After raising the funds necessary to deliver a record that was up to the high sonic standards of their previous efforts, TCC embarked on a journey into uncharted waters; MacDonald wore not only songwriting and vocal hats this time around, but the production hat as well. And for very good reason-this allowed the band the extra time necessary to make the record the best it could possibly be.
I had an extra two months to work on vocals and programming, which is unheard of in a normal recording situation. One of the reasons I produced the album is because I wanted to sit with the songs as the parts marinated so I could add more when I was inspired to. We couldn't have done it if we booked 4 weeks with another producer, because we would have been on a schedule and would have been saying Good enough, let s move on much more than I'd like to.
Ultimately, Phoenix is therapy; therapy for The Classic Crime, therapy for MacDonald and hopefully, therapy for all those who face a hopeless scenario in their lives. It is the medicine that many need an honest record from an honest, fearless band with genuine supporters.
Music has been a way for me to name my struggles over the past few years, and the best way for me to heal is to hear these songs done, and to know exactly what I felt when I wrote them. It's also so meaningful to know that somebody out there might feel the same way and use my words to articulate their own struggle... it's just powerful stuff. Music is a personal thing for me, so I'll always write songs, but it's also magic in a sense that it connects you on a deep level with the people who hear it. Nothing brings us together like mutual struggle.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Some say that The Classic Crime's previous studio effort, 'Vagabonds', was a misstep. But TCC put themselves at a disadvantage when they crafted the masterwork that is 'The Silver Cord': fans expected lightning to strike twice. It usually doesn't. What some didn't realize is that 'Vagabonds' wasn't meant to be lightning at all. It is a living and breathing creature with a life and vibe all its own.
Regardless of the worth of 'Vagabonds' in the Classic Crime cannon, after a few years, the band may have taken on that namesake: leaving their label, losing a member, and finding their career path not as hopeful as they once did. Thus the road brought them to the land of DIY with nothing to lose and a whole lot to say (if not to prove).
And now that the expectations of fans and the band's career have been "reset", TCC may get a fair shot with 'Phoenix'. And I hope they do, because it is good. Really good. If 'The Silver Cord' was indeed lightning, perhaps 'Phoenix' is the thunder. The kind of thunder that resounds for miles and miles. The answer to the lightning's flash; just as surprising. Just as potent.
'Phoenix' is an achievement because it serves as both a great standalone epic that is dark-yet-hopeful, and as an homage to the band's entire sonic career. If you enjoyed any one of the band's past albums, there is something here for you. If you're searching for your first Classic Crime experience, this is the place to start.
This album took me on a ride that had me tapping my toes, nodding my head (car-appropriate headbanging), smiling, and almost tearing up. With tracks like 'You and Me Both', 'Precipice' and 'Let Me Die' (plenty more where those came from) book-ended beautifully by the opener and closer, 'Phoenix' is in the running for The Classic Crime's greatest outing yet.
Do yourself a favor and pick this album up.
Regardless of the worth of 'Vagabonds' in the Classic Crime cannon, after a few years, the band may have taken on that namesake: leaving their label, losing a member, and finding their career path not as hopeful as they once did. Thus the road brought them to the land of DIY with nothing to lose and a whole lot to say (if not to prove).
And now that the expectations of fans and the band's career have been "reset", TCC may get a fair shot with 'Phoenix'. And I hope they do, because it is good. Really good. If 'The Silver Cord' was indeed lightning, perhaps 'Phoenix' is the thunder. The kind of thunder that resounds for miles and miles. The answer to the lightning's flash; just as surprising. Just as potent.
'Phoenix' is an achievement because it serves as both a great standalone epic that is dark-yet-hopeful, and as an homage to the band's entire sonic career. If you enjoyed any one of the band's past albums, there is something here for you. If you're searching for your first Classic Crime experience, this is the place to start.
This album took me on a ride that had me tapping my toes, nodding my head (car-appropriate headbanging), smiling, and almost tearing up. With tracks like 'You and Me Both', 'Precipice' and 'Let Me Die' (plenty more where those came from) book-ended beautifully by the opener and closer, 'Phoenix' is in the running for The Classic Crime's greatest outing yet.
Do yourself a favor and pick this album up.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music
Before you read this review, stop what you are doing and check The Classic Crime's tour dates, if they are playing a show within a day's drive of where you live, take the day off, pack up the car, and hit the road to enjoy them live, you won't regret it!
Now, onto the CD...
After completing several albums and tours, The Classic Crime got to a point of thinking that this might be the end, having finalized their partnership with Tooth and Nail records. They were getting older, working regular jobs, starting families, so maybe it was time to hang up the recording and tour boots for good? As a last ditch effort of discerning their future they decided to put together a Kickstarter campaign to see if there was any real interest from their fans in the band continuing. One month and +$80k later, they were back in business, but this time getting to call all their own shots, take their time, and produce their own CD the way they wanted it to be produced. The result is Phoenix, a band rising from the ashes of their own perceived death.
The CD is brilliant, epic, all those big words that mean "really really good!"! Unlike many other bands, The Classic Crime has refused to merely blend in with what the rest of the music industry is doing, and instead continue to have a unique sound blend that works wonderfully with their vocals and soaring sonic instrumentation.
The songs deal with finding hope (even if it's merely a sliver) in the midst of death, decaying dreams, perceived ends, and personal darkness. While that might make it sound like an "emo" type of effort, it simply doesn't carry that vibe. You find that with each track, the message of "hope and purpose will eventually prevail" continues to build, in a way that is almost like praise or worship. This is well demonstrated by the contrast in the Intro and Outro, where at first Matt sings about being a one man army all alone because he refuses to let "you" fight battles before him, but in the end he is once again calling out for help, "Will you fight for me again?". Anyone who is at a crossroads, at a loss, in despair, or just surviving the mundane and monotonous will find strength in The Classic Crime's Phoenix rise. They may find themselves singing along (like I do) purposefully "I think I need a new story, one where I take on the world" (YOU AND ME BOTH), "We are the heirs to every throne, we walk far from what we've known" (HEAVEN AND HELL), "I will dust my paint and brushes off, and I will dream again" (PAINTED DREAMS), "I will wait, I used to let you fight, fight for me again, I will wait, will you fight for me again" (I WILL WAIT, OUTRO).
My one fear for the CD is that there may not be any huge radio type hits that propel the CD to the front of the mainstream's focus, yet at the same time I would rather listen to these songs (all of them), than what I hear on the airwaves. Hopefully the masses get behind "YOU AND ME BOTH" and let that be what draws new listeners and new fans into the fold. Regardless, it's clear that the four man band will be okay with or without the adulation. They've grown and matured, musically and personally, and seem poised to endure either fate, realizing that it's not in the fickle rise and fall of popularity and fame that their purpose rests, but the greater purpose and hope they know to hold true throughout it all. For my part, I will continue to hit "repeat" and delight in the work of art called Phoenix.
Now, onto the CD...
After completing several albums and tours, The Classic Crime got to a point of thinking that this might be the end, having finalized their partnership with Tooth and Nail records. They were getting older, working regular jobs, starting families, so maybe it was time to hang up the recording and tour boots for good? As a last ditch effort of discerning their future they decided to put together a Kickstarter campaign to see if there was any real interest from their fans in the band continuing. One month and +$80k later, they were back in business, but this time getting to call all their own shots, take their time, and produce their own CD the way they wanted it to be produced. The result is Phoenix, a band rising from the ashes of their own perceived death.
The CD is brilliant, epic, all those big words that mean "really really good!"! Unlike many other bands, The Classic Crime has refused to merely blend in with what the rest of the music industry is doing, and instead continue to have a unique sound blend that works wonderfully with their vocals and soaring sonic instrumentation.
The songs deal with finding hope (even if it's merely a sliver) in the midst of death, decaying dreams, perceived ends, and personal darkness. While that might make it sound like an "emo" type of effort, it simply doesn't carry that vibe. You find that with each track, the message of "hope and purpose will eventually prevail" continues to build, in a way that is almost like praise or worship. This is well demonstrated by the contrast in the Intro and Outro, where at first Matt sings about being a one man army all alone because he refuses to let "you" fight battles before him, but in the end he is once again calling out for help, "Will you fight for me again?". Anyone who is at a crossroads, at a loss, in despair, or just surviving the mundane and monotonous will find strength in The Classic Crime's Phoenix rise. They may find themselves singing along (like I do) purposefully "I think I need a new story, one where I take on the world" (YOU AND ME BOTH), "We are the heirs to every throne, we walk far from what we've known" (HEAVEN AND HELL), "I will dust my paint and brushes off, and I will dream again" (PAINTED DREAMS), "I will wait, I used to let you fight, fight for me again, I will wait, will you fight for me again" (I WILL WAIT, OUTRO).
My one fear for the CD is that there may not be any huge radio type hits that propel the CD to the front of the mainstream's focus, yet at the same time I would rather listen to these songs (all of them), than what I hear on the airwaves. Hopefully the masses get behind "YOU AND ME BOTH" and let that be what draws new listeners and new fans into the fold. Regardless, it's clear that the four man band will be okay with or without the adulation. They've grown and matured, musically and personally, and seem poised to endure either fate, realizing that it's not in the fickle rise and fall of popularity and fame that their purpose rests, but the greater purpose and hope they know to hold true throughout it all. For my part, I will continue to hit "repeat" and delight in the work of art called Phoenix.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you like The Classic Crime's previous albums, you will love this
August 14, 2012
By RJV
Format:MP3 Music
This album is definitely a must-buy for anyone who enjoyed The Classic Crime's previous efforts; especially The Silver Cord. I've been a long-time fan since before Albatross and this band has yet to produce a skippable track on any record - PHOENIX being no different. They should bundle a complimentary mop to clean your melted face off the floor.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this cd!
I loved this cd. I love the artist and had heard the cd before buying it but was so pleased with the excellent condition, quick arrival, and the lyric booklet!
Published 3 months ago by Bianca
5.0 out of 5 stars
How do they keep doing it?
Lyrically brilliant. CC seems to never disappoint. Edgy songs that get you thinking; that is what CC is all about. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Rapture
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good band
This is a band of musicians that play average songs well. There is nothing on here that just grabs you and doesn't let go.
Published 3 months ago by Darren Campbell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good CD. The Classic Crime always delivers.
The music is awesome. Lyrical content is awesome. These guys self produced this cd and it sounds great. I really enjoy this.
Published 4 months ago by Boyd Gross II
3.0 out of 5 stars
A tendency to grow?
The Classic Crime have always had a tendency to grow on me. I loved their first album, and at first wasn't a big fan of their second. Read more
Published 5 months ago by GuardedLegacy
3.0 out of 5 stars
some good songs but i miss more energetic stuff.
some good songs if u like the softer stuff. but this is actually my least fav album of there's. boosh.
Published 5 months ago by Dave Esposito
5.0 out of 5 stars
Breath-taking.
Once again The Classic Crime is able to embody their journey through their own beliefs and spirituality; the brutal honesty carries over from Vagabonds and goes even further, I... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Pat
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Album
"Phoenix" is certainly one of my favorite albums I've heard in my life to date, and probably the best of the year. There isn't a single forgettable song on this album. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kyle Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
This is a remarkable album, their best I think. It is a wonderful album to listen to in order from start to finish, they did a great arrangement and even blend between the tracks. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Eric Pennington
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Music!
I always love their music, can't wait for their next album!
P.s. My favorite song on this album is Glass Houses.
P.s. My favorite song on this album is Glass Houses.
Published 6 months ago by Christopher
Listmania!
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