CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX - White Light Generator

Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Artrock | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 159 / 4-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 8/10 | Label: Cool Green | Autor: AS


Just in time for their tenth anniversary Crippled Black Phoenix present the fifth longplayer. "It was supposed to be a simpler album in terms of sound, more about good songs than about musical ability," says band founder Justin Greaves. In fact, the 13 new tracks seem quite compact, without losing even a single bit of the appeal that the new art rockers from Bristol have had on their music so far. On the contrary, with a little less "bell splendour" (Greaves) something like the inside, unadulterated of the group comes to one's ears. And that can knock you out with its sluggish agony ("No! Part 2") or force and unrulyness ("Black Light Generator"). Like the last two albums, "White Light Generator", which features guitarist and singer Daniel Änghede, who joined the band a while ago, in the studio for the first time, was recorded in Lincolnshire, East England, again produced by Ewan Davies and Justin Greaves. Nevertheless, this time there are also completely new sounds from the Phoenix to be heard. So he surprises right at the beginning with a country ballad ("Sweeter Than You") and the following hymnic "No! Part1", which reminds of The Pineapple Thief with e-piano and strings and Brian Ferry with the vocals in the chorus. The second part of the album, which is divided into a Black and a White Side, starts with the oriental uptempo number "Northern Comfort". This goes over into the thoughtful, piano dominated "Wake Me Up When It's Time To Sleep", which very charmingly combines Steven Wilson and Black Heart Procession (or Loch Lomond). This second part isn't quite as massive as the Black Side, it shows the band from their more soulful, US folk inspired side. "White Light Generator" is a more than worthy recording for the anniversary of an extraordinary band.

Top track: No! Part 1 + 2

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