Customer Reviews

Sway

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Phaser is undeniably one the best undiscovered bands in the United States. One may not expect a Spiritualized-caliber sound to come from Washington, D.C., the (im)famous home to Fugazi, but the enigmatic foursome outshines all current DC competition.

After their first release, "Silverscreen Daydream," Boris and Siayko Skalsky connected with guitarist Paul Wood and drummer Rich DeJong to essentially reform the band into its current state. On the quartet's "Skydive EP," crooning vocals, ambient percussion and crisp guitars create a multi-dimensional space sound that reverberates throughout the record. The layered melodies and instrumentations seem effortless, a tribute to the fabulous production.

"Sway" is more mature, as Phaser develops a more sophisticated range of sound. "Are You There?" and "Life and Illusion" melt, and the record rises on pop declarations like "Baby Blue" and "Sweet Marie," the kind "Young as Ever" promised on "Skydive." While DeJong offers all the right staccatos and crescendos, Siayko's whispers on "(Can't Get You) Out of My Mind" are peacefully addictive. The most impressive part of the album is the intensely audible development in Wood's guitar work as well as the incorporation of Boris' orchestral talents.

Phaser is almost too good to be true, but their live performances prove an indisputable talent. Compare them to the Verve, Spiritualized or Pink Floyd, Phaser's second coming in "Sway" is only reminiscent of their ever-evolving sound.

"Sway" may be 10 years too late or distanced far enough from the shoegazer scene to distinguish itself. The composition of each song is excellent, a definite breath of fresh air compared to the "neo-grunge" and "diet punk" that presently dominates the American music scene. The obvious cross-references are Slowdive, Cousteau and softer songs by Oasis, however, most songs have a much more sophisticated structure than most showgazer era efforts. Highly recommended for early 1990s Brit Pop fans.

The first time I ever heard of Phaser was a year or so ago when "Life and Illusion" was played on a radio music channel on my satellite at home. The song sounded very much like The Verve, and since I'm a big Verve fan, I really enjoyed it. It wasn't until a few months ago I decided to get the CD, and though I did think that the album wasn't as good as I expected it to be, this album is still quite strong. The standout tracks on here are "Life and Illusion", "Sway", and "Sweet Marie". The later two being sweetly crafted lubbaly epics that swirl around you. This band definitely has an atomspheric sound to them, with echoed guitars and vocals that seem to get lost in the music. I would definitely compare them to the more earlier work of The Verve.

I was invited by a friend to The Earl in Atlanta to see his friend's band from DC.While he referenced some groups to describe the band's sound, I really did not know what to expect. My expectations were fully satisfied. Within minutes of their launch into the second song - I was truely intrigued and found myself listening to every note, stroke and verse with intensity.

This band has intensity but adorns it with a soulful sensitivity that gets under your skin. I listened to The Verve the day after and mid-way through Catching The Butterfly I thought of Life & Illusion. These guys have a deliciuosly, beautiful approach but they are not soft. When they throw down - They throw down.

I am so pleasantly suprised by this new find and can't wait to hear more........

The only reason I have to give it 4 stars is that I can't wrap my head around their music on a disc. Phaser's live performances are so phenomenal that it almost hurts to have to listen to them in your living room.

I haven't bought the CD (yet). I just listened to one of the songs in digital cable (maybe the song was Are you there???) and i was really blown away, just as when I first listened to "Slide away" by The verve( a long time ago). In fact, it seems Phaser had a "A storm in heaven"-ish sound, which is cool. I hope I can see them live in LA soon.

i bought this album on a whim while i was drunk one night and at first it sounded great (at the music store while i was drunk). the next morning though, the album left me a little....dissapointed. other reviewers had compared them to oasis, radiohead, and sigur ros (huh!!!!). i could see a bit of an oasis influence though, whether that is bad or good you can decide. the tracks i did enjoy (mildly) were ARE YOU THERE? and CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY MIND. i'll also comment on NORTHERN LIGHTS which was a peaceful song with kind of a minimalist attitude. overall it wasn't horrible but my money would've been better spent elsewhere or at the very least another round for me and my friends.