PHASE ROTATOR RETARD

The tireless American Mr. Chris Fournier, the multi-instrumentalist and the main man behind Fonya, decided to launch another project in 2002 under the name ''Centric Jones''.The only difference compared to his main band is the the replacement of the MIDI-controlled drums with an acoustic drum kit for Centric Jones' debut ''Phase Rotator Retard''.Fournier plays all instruments and he is only supported by Dale Degen on vocals.Cover art is created by Thierry Guilleminot, the same person responsible for Fonya's ''Sunset Cliffs'' artwork.

According to Fournier, the sound on ''Phase Rotator Retard'' is along the lines of FONYA, just a bit more guitar-oriented.According to my ears Centric Jones' debut is definitely a Progressive/Space Rock album, maintaining the synth-drenched style of FONYA, but this is more of a flexible work.In fact the first few tracks are much more symphonic than anything created by FONYA during its early years, having a nice amount of acoustic breaks, while ''Let Go Your Course'' even contains a beautiful TONY BANKS/GENESIS-like performance on synths.Organs, mellotron and moog synthesizers appear among the more Electronic-oriented themes, creating dreamy and sonic Symphonic/Space Rock, while guitars' use is rather limited despite Fournier's statement, offering though a nice set of cosmic solos and needed diversity.After the middle their use is rather more apparent with some psychedelic grooves doubled by smooth organ and edgy synthesizers with the overall style getting closer to FONYA's approach.Dale Degen' vocals are also delivered in a spacey mood through a slight distortion, making the music even more atmospheric.

Chris Fournier is definitely a talented man.Centric Jones' debut offers a great listening experience to all fans of dreamy, mostly instrumental but also challenging music, exploring the territories of both Space/Electronic Rock and Symphonic Rock.Strongly recommended.