Pride - Phosphorescent

I mentioned another album from phosphorescent here on the site already and I wanted to include my other favorite from him as well because it is equally stunning. I think the most gripping part of the music here is the mood put in place by the shaky vocals of the singer Matthew Houck. The depth in these songs is nothing short of magic and the music begs to be heard while traveling and I cannot exactly figure out why I think that but its what comes to mind when I listen to these songs. Something in the warm drifting feeling of these songs brings forth the idea of a landscape slowly transforming in layers as you ride along in a car or train. That peacefulness that traveling brings. I think that is simply because the music here feels like home in a dusty sentimental kind of way. My favorite song on the album is certainly ‘Wolves’ which is a song where I often catch myself with my eyes closed as I listen, if not just a long blink of sorts like in slow motion. The kind where things around you seem a little brighter and glowing upon opening your eyes and leaves everything within your sight seem just a little more beautiful.

iTunes Link • Artist Page

Tags: Phosphorescent

Phosphorescent - A Hundred Times or More

A friend turned me onto this years ago and I listened to it endlessly for a while. The group is lead by Matthew Houck’s soft, breaking vocals which set the mood for the whole album and not unlike the old scratched, slightly strange yet peaceful album cover the music is slightly broken, slow and nostalgic. After seeing him live a couple of times and hearing this album so many times I always look forward to new releases from him. The music is fragile but thick and grips you in a unique way and while his singing style may not suit everyone I find it to be honest and steady despite it’s cracking and thin moments. What I was trying to say was that his weak moments singing are actually his strong ones. As for the music itself, it rocks back and forth like a small boat in the sea and calls out for attention at a handful of moments in the record when the music all start to build and build till they break into a haunting crescendo that leaves the hair on the back of my neck on end at times. I suppose I will stop trying to describe it and simply urge you to listen for yourself. My favorite songs on the album have always been the opening track, Salt & Blues and the song Remain and may be a good starting point should you decide to listen.

iTunes Link • Artist Link • Daytrotter live session

Tags: Phosphorescent