Phideaux
„Ghost Story“
Psychedelic/Progressive Rock.

• Jewelcase, CD. 2004
• Original
• Bloodfish Music
• zyz-1618
• used

In 2004, Phideaux released a significantly more prog-oriented album with an ease that, on the surface, could be mistaken for pop. I admit that "Ghost Story" took some time to truly resonate with me. This kind of prog-rock, like every Phideaux album, is among my absolute favorites. As always, Phideaux creates his own unique blend of glam, pop, psychedelic, folk, 80s vibes, rock, and prog. Those who open themselves up to this album will be treated to beautifully sounding ghost stories. However, the sound of the first three tracks strikes me as slightly distorted; the instruments and vocals blend together, almost like a mush. From then on, the songs become increasingly clear and unfold their narrative potential.

Of the nine songs, I would particularly like to highlight "Everynight," with its psychedelic lightness. “Beyond The Shadow Of Doubt”, the prog-rock song of the album, is nicely long at 7:45. A real highlight. "Ghostforrest" features an interesting rhythm.

And then there's "Universally". For me, a person passes away, and their ashes remain. These are scattered in the garden by those left behind and become part of the soil, the trees, and the plants. And when it rains, there is "the awareness of you", along with the memories of the deceased. We were formed from stardust, only to return to stardust in the end.

All the songs are really good, and I always listen to the whole CD. Phideaux and the band simply make good music. And that's my conclusion.

Phideaux Xavier – Vocals, Guitar
Sam Fester – Bass
Rich Hutchins – Drums, Gongs
Mark Sherkus – Keyboard, Guitar

Fiendish 2003
Ghost Story 2004
Chupacabras 2005
313 2006
The Great Leap 2006
Doomsday Afternoon 2007
Number Seven 2009
Snowtorch 2011
Infernal 2018
AutoMoto Animus 2026

The photos are all from my CD. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

TheProgThief
©08.January.2025
Mk 2