PHIDEAUX(USA) - Number Seven (2009)

Phideaux biography

PHIDEAUX Xavier is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, employing the drumming of Rich Hutchins, producer Gabriel Moffat and a revolving cast of supporting musicians. He has released several progressive/psychadelic inspired albums since 2003 and includes Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Van Der Graaf Generator, and early Genesis (among many others) as influences.

The first proper album was "Fiendish", which introduced the folky, psychadelic sound of PHIDEAUX. "Ghost Story" mostly consists of material from a previous musical collaboration in the 90s called Satyricon (with Rich Hutchins). "Chupacabras" might be the first album that prog fans lean towards, with the 20+ minute "epic" title track highlighting the album. "313" was an album-in-a-day project that took shape with one day of basic writing and recording, then fleshed out over the course of the next year. Probably the most significant music achievement so far, "The Great Leap" is the first album in a three part trilogy concerning "life in a dystopic eclogically disintegrating world"... but don't let the topic fool you, PHIDEAUX's music at heart is addictive, fun, deep, and compelling all at the same time, with memorable melodies and finely crafted arrangements that represent songwriting at it's finest. Present are some of the prog rock staples in the use of synths, Hammond organ, mellotrons, and other interesting instrumental contributions, as well as multi-section, evolving pieces of music... but rather than rehashing prog cliches or focusing on technical acrobatics, PHIDEAUX's music truly offers something creative and refreshing.

All these albums are consistently great and are very highly recommended for those who love the subtle, folkier, psychadelic side of prog rock with an emphasis on melodic songwriting. This music has a unqiue magic that doesn't come around very often.