Canterbury styled; Jazz rock
Latest release: Keri (2017). The band is still playing live as I update this post.
Keri (2017)
Keri remains the latest release from Phlox who are an excellent high energy jazz rock band from Estonia. They are still around and playing live so the possibility exists for new material. On their prior studio album from 2010 I wrote: "Talu sees Phlox tightening up the ship a bit, and keeping some of the looser components of their sound on the leash. If you're looking for a fiery brand of Canterbury influenced fusion with shredding guitar, fuzz keyboards and bass, sax and flute, then look no further than Estonia's Phlox."
And that applies here as well. The album in between these two is a live effort and a little bit more unhinged, to be expected given the setting. To be honest, after hearing Keri for the first time four years ago, I was a bit disappointed. Mentally I had categorized it as "too much of the same thing". And while it's true that Keri doesn't match Talu in either melodic development nor energy, the album does possess high amounts of both. I think I just needed a break from hearing too many of these type of albums at once. The break from intense jazz rock was good for me because as soon as this hit the changer I was fully immersed. Phlox has a wonderful thick analog sound without being retro in the slightest. I enjoyed a +1 listen last night which is closer in alignment with their other output.
Vali (2013)
Vali is a live offering from Phlox that predominantly features new material, excepting the last two tracks both from the Rebimine + Voltimine album. The always excellent combination of complexity and melodicism are still in full force. Some of the unhinged improvisational aspects of Rebimine + Voltimine have returned, perhaps not surprising given the live setting. The saxophone certainly pushes the envelope and sometimes borders good taste, but reels it back just in time. Though Vali is my least favorite of the three Phlox albums I've heard, it's still quite excellent. I will say this title has grown on me since first hearing it.
Talu (2010)
Talu sees Phlox tightening up the ship a bit, and keeping some of the looser components of their sound on the leash. If you're looking for a fiery brand of Canterbury influenced fusion with shredding guitar, fuzz keyboards and bass, sax and flute, then look no further than Estonia's Phlox.
Rebimine + Voltimine (2007)
Phlox are an Estonian band that play in the very heavy fusion category (no metal though). Hard driving, fast, complicated and downright exhilarating. A 6 piece group with guitar, sax, Moog, and electric piano being the primary solo components. The opening track alone ‘Rahn’ is likely to leave you with jaw dropped and completely out of breath. We hear flute on this track, and it’s unfortunate that it’s the only use on the album, because the contrast with the heavy guitars and blazing rhythms is awe inspiring. That’s not to say the rest of the album isn’t as impressive, because there’s so much here to like. The only fault I can find is their tendency to take the sax and electric piano jams too far - and thus lose us in the weeds (especially on the last 2 live improvisations, which should have just been left off altogether). Fortunately that’s a few and far between occurrence. Somewhere between Naikaku, Panzerballet and National Health is where you’ll find the sound of Phlox. Superb.
11/14/07; 2/20/11; 5/7/13 (new entry); 11/10/23
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