TEMPEST OF MUTINY

This track was originally going to be released on the follow-up to the bands last album, 7 1/2. But 7 1/2 has since been scrapped, as a particular piece (SnowTorch) continued to grow until it dominated the album, and so this track is going to be delegated to an odds and sods compilation the band is intending to release later the year of this writing. In the mean time, they have released it as a downloadable track on iTunes and BandCamp.

Once again, the band is in fine form, demonstrating all the elements that have made them successful for the past number of years - a strong sense of melody and composition, great dynamics and mood, great playing and vocals. For sure, fans of Symphonic rock should enjoy this track, as well as fans of more melodic music.

As has been typical of Phideaux for the past few years, the vocals are shared both by the bands namesake, Phideaux Xavier, and an array of skilled female vocalists. This song will have you singing along with it, both the chorus and the "da, da-dananas" that appear in the last couple of minutes. But don't let the word chorus or the da-da-dananas scare you, for this is not a light pop track. It is prog - but it is fun and catchy, and even manages to rock out pretty good at various points as well. And who can say no to that combination? Certainly not me.

'Tempest Of Mutiny' - Phideaux (Single)

Art rock ensemble Phideaux has released this single digitally, as a way to bridge the gap between studio albums. This music is by no means new, however. When discovering Phideaux a few years ago, 'Tempest Of Mutiny' was one of the first tracks I ever delved into on their Myspace, and what a welcome introduction to the band, it was.

Screaming an influence of '70s progressive hard rock and wearing it on it's shoulder, 'Tempest Of Mutiny' is a track revolving around the treks and excursions of pirates; and the maritime flair shines through the song. Some nasal, yet pleasant (as always) vocals from Phideaux Xavier drives the melody of this song; which is upbeat, intelligent and has a fair dose of 'epic' to boot.

'Tempest Of Mutiny' clocks in at over eight minutes, implying that it is a pretty involved piece of music. What it feels like to me however, is a pop song that was drawn out a bit more than it should have been. There is a very defined 'chorus' and 'verse' section, but all of this is interspersed by different instrumental variations of the theme, which can tire out the song after a few listens.

In any case, an interesting track and a great song to listen to, to get into the music and talent of Phideaux.

A great epic 8 minute epic from a wonderful band, Phideaux. If you have not tuned into Phideaux, do yourself a favor and check them out, especially DOOMSDAY AFTERNOON (4.20 rating currently on ProgArchives). Xavier Phideaux and his multi-talented mix of vocalists and musicians have created another beautiful, multi-layered song with "Tempest of Mutiny" which has a central "theme" that is repeated throughout with different variations. Typical Phideaux work, actually. Fans of much Symphonic Rock such as Yes, Echolyn, or even Pink Floyd would enjoy this track as well as his other work. 4 stars. Would be 5 except it leaves me wanting more! Check it out on YouTube!

I would consider Tempest of Mutiny to be the superior remnant of the now buried 7 1/2 "appendix" to the Number 7. A little more of what made Number 7 a creative and enjoyable album was able to trickle through. Like Strange Cloud it is a single extended track, in this case slightly longer at seven and a half minutes plus forty eight more seconds.

As with Strange Cloud auto-plagiarism is apparent on Tempest of Mutiny. I would say however that the influences are both better and more varied. The main structure of the track is built from a less complicated pop style. Its closest relation in my mind is the satisfying "Wake Up" from the Great Leap. From there the song undergoes a progression towards something that wouldn't be out of place on Number 7, Chupacabras or dare I say? Doomsday Afternoon. The inspiration here on is not restricted simply to Phideaux's own previous works. There is a pronounced vein of Jethro Tull running up its gut. The flute always manages to conjure Tull, but there's more to it than that. The tuning of the guitar and especially the use of an organ also remind me of the band that Ian built.

The end result of all this mixing and matching is a song which is conspicuously the work of Phideaux, but not routinely so. There's something indeed quite fresh about it. I take that as a good sign myself. On its own Tempest of Mutiny is insufficient to garner anything greater than a four out of five, but it has me looking optimistically for more unique output from one of my favourite bands.

"Tempest of Mutiny" is a rather typical Phideaux song. However, I hear a bit of The Decemberists in this moderate symphonic rocker, particularly in the swashbuckling lyrics and their delivery. Expect Mellotron, an ethereal middle passage with triumphant organ, and screeching lead guitar. The final phase shifts gears and launches into some quirky Gentle Giant enactment before revisiting the refrain. There is a fantastic degree of eclecticism presented here as well as a sense of fun. If anything, "Tempest of Mutiny" is a well-structured and well-performed lengthier piece that contains plenty to keep one engaged and entertained, and isn't that all we ask of our music?