After just
one year from its foundation, Amadora's PhaZer are already out with
a high level self-financed CD of modern ass-kicking Heavy Rock with
adrenalinic vocals sometimes veined with Funk, other times with Metal
structures. The strength of these songs resides in the coercion of having
us listened to it repeatedly without having enough, thanks to the fact
that each song is a potential hit full of groove, tasty melodic lines
and, last but not least, MARVELLOUS axe solos.
Worth of a mention immediately is absolutely the opener "Way
Downtown", based on a catchy refrain, an excellent melodic
break and bright guitar solos; the construction of the compositions
is classic but able to involve to the core: for example, simply irresistible
is the Portuguese accent which appears to be quite suitable for the
genre (just pay attention to vocalist Miranda's 's' especially in "Wonder
Girl", by the way the most exacting to be sung).
After the title track (rendered in two versions), a pearl that only
masters of the calibre of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam might
have written together, we have the easy "Love Kills",
a piece that partially reminds me so much of the US football (and I
mean soccer) player of Padua and guitarist/singer/songwriter Alexi Lalas.
Not a case this song is my favourite and is worth itself the purchasing
of the whole CD!
Please also notice the unfortuitous clear-cut contrast created by a
song that Extreme wish they had written, "Lament to the World",
and the heaviest track of the 9 here included, "Benediction":
probably the most stimulating and the ones that Metal fans will adore.
Track followed by a refined flamenco-influenced "We're All Silent
Witnesses", where sensitive Gil proves he is capable of playing
any style so damned well that he had better insure his precious fingers!
The songwriting can be a bit improved by avoiding tiny juvenile mistakes
like the fading of the opening track or forced Metal intrusions, giving
the unpleasant impression of trying to make everybody satisfied. Besides
this, this album ensures half an hour spent delightfully. Mind, the
Lusitans do not care for inventing anything, but what they do here is
incredibly killer. This EP is strongly recommended for all rockers of
all sorts. The new Heroes del Silencio hail from Portugal, take note
of this and spread the word about these four gods of Heavy Rock.
MARKUS GANZHERRLICH - 20th November 2006