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| things@psiphi.co.uk |
| Powers
Of Three (2007) Tracks : "Side One": All Fall Down; Masterplan ; Elemental; Crow Flies East; "Side Two": Argument |
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| "The
faux-vinyl scratchings that bookend each side of Psi
Phi's third album Powers Of Three are very misleading.
While there is a certain amount of influence from the Old
Masters here it isn't exactly central. By fusing most
overtly an essence of Test For Echo era Rush with a
somewhat unique blend of Alternative Rock and Funk the
Sheffield three piece have created some kind of
unpronounceable hybrid genre. For a power trio, Psi Phi have really excelled in order to create this series of brilliantly crafted complex Rock tracks. While there are no lapses in the quality of musicianship on display Andy Scott's creatively inserted virtuoso basslines are particularly deserving of praise, by inserting slaps and pops in the most unexpected of places tracks such as Hard Rock anthem All Fall Down or the sharp, spacious contrast of Masterplan really showcase the benefits. Elemental is perhaps the most interesting of the songs on the first half, avante-garde and think-outside-the-box without losing the accesssability that can only be acheived through a strong sing-a-long chorus. Crow Flies East is darker and more confined than any of its counterparts, dominated by Pod's moody vocals and haunting arpeggio riffing. While not the pinnacle of the album, by conjuring up memories of Seattle Grungers Pearl Jam it's yet another spanner in the works for a record shop employee attempting to place Powers Of Three under the appropriate genre. The second half of the CD is dominated by the 20 minute Argument suite; however all connotations of a pretentious, overblown Progressive Rock epic should be quickly dismissed ........ Instead the suite is very much a continuation of the style established on the first side of the album, except this time they've glued it all together and built in a hazy storyline. Of course even when you try your very best to convince the Anti-Prog Brigade that this is literally a topographic ocean away from the movement's '70s heyday chances are they won't believe you. So Psi Phi came up with the rather smart idea of seperating Argument into seperate tracks. Art Rock fan? A 20 minute journey through Alterno-Prog Paradise. Commercial Rock enthusiast? 8 wonderful shorter songs that work just as well sliced up. Powers Of Three stands for a sneeky laugh behind the backs of anyone who thought Arctic Monkeys were at the forefront of cutting edge creativity in the Sheffield music scene. Proudly ambitious Geek Rock that's actually enjoyable to listen to, for the third time in a row Psi Phi have delivered the passion, the poison, the fury and the fun. A firm 9/10 effort." - Jordan Smith - online review - May 2008 |
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| || Buy a copy || |
| Circles
(2003) Tracks : A Million Flies ; I Rise ; Crazy ; Take Back The World ; Change Comes Round ; Four Seasons ; Chimes for Jamie ; Circles ; Sorry ; She Rocks |
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| “You
might not know too much about South Yorkshire based Psi
Phi except that they have played for the CRS a few times.
Well this is nothing short of a superb album for all
those who love guitar driven rock in the area of say,
Wishbone Ash, for a straightforward comparison. Having
said that guitarist, Pod, reminds me a lot of former
Climax Blues Band guitarist Pete Haycock, a guitarist who
could rock and be as gentle as you like too. The guitar
breaks are truly sumptuous - even when Pod performs an
acoustic solo, 'Chimes For Jamie'. The lead vocals work a
treat and are shared by Pod and bass man Andy Scott;
their harmonies aren't bad either. The trio is completed
by drummer Rob Glynn. As a unit Psi Phi eclipse much of
the mainstream rock music I hear today, let alone some of
those at the underground level. In Pod, Psi Phi have a
guitarist who is as good as you will hear and I am more
than pleased to blow the trumpet for them - not that they
need any more instrumentation than they've got. Here are
ten great songs from a band that deserve much more
exposure.” Martin Hudson - Classic Rock Society Magazine - March 2004 |
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| ||For the lyrics, click here|| | || Buy a copy || |
| Welcome
To Earth (2001) Tracks : Ragnarok ‘n’ Roll ; Another Lovesong ; Science Fiction ; Forever and a Day ; Waiting for the Words ; I Don’t Want No-One Else ; Dark Day ; Right Place, Wrong Time ; Looking-Glass War ; Where did the Good Times Go? |
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| “It
is a good time to reflect on this 2001 release by the
Sheffield three piece. They are in fact a band that have
been high up the Best New Band list for the past two
years and it must be time for them to move on. “In Pod they have a superb guitarist/vocalist and the rhythm section of Andy Scott on bass/vocals and Rob Glynn on drums are as good as you will hear. It's obviously all very guitar driven and for those who have shied away from the Deadline organised 'Primed' evenings now is the time to correct matters and take in some new bands. “This is what might be termed clean and straight rock played by three musicians at the top of their trade if not the top of the billboards. There are some fine vocal harmonies, not a lot of light years away from that of say Wishbone Ash, while some of the guitar work has a similar fix but you might hear a leaning towards the Allman Brothers (Waiting For The Words) now and then. A great album that you might have missed - in fact you probably did miss. “ Martin Hudson |
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| ||For lyrics, click here|| | || Buy a copy || |