Cause and Effect E.P. Review

I-Pheonix

Cause and Effect

Angela Macari O’Looney

I Pheonix are a band I’ve admired since I first saw them perform support at a gig in ’09. From the get go they appeared confident and professional. They had an explosive and unforgettable sound and their demo remains a firm favourite among my collection.

Hailing from Dublin, their music is a combination of Alternative/ Rock and Pop, with influences such as Biffy Clyro, Joy Division, and New Order coming through.

Cause and Effect, released in May ’10 at Temple Lane Studios by John Henry, is their debut E.P.

Conor Wilkins – Vocals/ Guitars, Donal Fleming – Drums/ Percussion and Kevin Brew – Bass are a talented trio of individuals and seem to improve every time I see them perform live, with each contributing to the overall sound. Haunting melody lines, scorching lead solos, throbbing baselines and pulsating electronic loops to enhance Donal’s lively beats, are all the ingredients that give each track life. The end result is a truly enjoyable CD of quality numbers.

Night Sparks

A brilliant choice of song to begin with, this is my absolute favourite I Pheonix number. The intro consists of a fast explosive beat, with a synth baseline that’s out of this world.
Then the lead riff comes in that for me defines I Pheonix and is really captivating. Conor’s haunting vocals are sung almost reverently. The resurrection of sounds from the late 70s touches a nerve for me here. The blend of post punk music with present day sophistication lends astounding dynamic that is irresistible!

Arcadia

This rhythmic number has a catchy riff intro that is used throughout. Guitars are spectacular, with fab lead followed by an explosive, distortion- charged phrase, where the pace alternates. Vocals are excellent, with a speck of close harmony added for the chorus.

Fade and Erase

Chord combinations are sweet in this number, which has a fairly fast beat despite it being more laid back than the other songs. The guitar riff is superb, the melody line is simple and memorable and there are lots of chops and changes in the beat, which keeps it interesting. Twin guitars do a delicious break before the last chorus and I particularly like the unexpected finish, where everything just stops!

Friction is a killer

Definitely leaning more towards a rock number, this involves lots of powerful chords, with distortion used all over the place and drum rolls and paradiddles galore. The beat changes completely in at least three places. Guitars are spectacular, with riveting riffs at every turn. Conor belts out the dramatic chorus, with backing vocals supplying additional volume.

I love the finale-style ending, where guitars do a hammering military type riff and you hear a sound a little like a plug fusing!

The three boys have progressed from being a support act, to being one of Dublin’s top bands, with regular headliners and regular airplay on the best radio stations in the land. The lads were chosen out of hundreds of hopefuls by Hot Press and got the opportunity to make their first video. Night Sparks was the number chosen, which doesn’t surprise me since it is a sensational song.
I Pheonix have had a wonderful journey since they formed in 2008. They were selected to perform at the Sugar club for the IMRO Showcase and also gigged with choice music award winner Jape in April ’09. It looks like they’re on a roll and I for one hope it continues.