PHASE II PHASE – Face It (2017)
One of the most relevant Melodic Hard Rock acts from the current Spanish scene is without a doubt PHASE II PHASE who released a very interesting debut some time ago. Now the band from Madrid are band with second effort “Face It“, showcasing Phase II Phase progress from songwriting to production.
The original germ of Phase II Phase born in 2010 when Jose L. Gallera (Bass, Backing Vocals) and Jorge Gomez (Keyboards) quit the rock band Arianne to give shape to an own project inspired by the Swedish & Norwegian AOR bands which were part of their musical background during their teens.
Guitarist & singer Zalo Lopez, born and grew up in Stockholm but with Spanish origins was the missing piece to complete Phase II Phase’s shape, and together started to write songs and track down some demos.
Since then, Phase II Phase has played the local circuit and opened for many major acts, such as Work Of Art.
You can tell that Jorge Gomez is the musical director in Phase II Phase as all the tunes are profusely keyboard-driven full of swirls and cand-floss synths straight from the Scandinavian book.
That classy ’80s Scandi AOR / Melodic Rock sound of Da Vinci, Return or Skagarack are embedded on catchy numbers such as ‘Madness’, ‘Feel The Heat’, the highly melodious ‘Open Your Eyes’ or the pretty awesome ‘Will You Remember Me’ (a highlight).
If you need more punch go for opener ‘Running Out’, the anthemic ‘Greed’ or ‘How Do I Feel’ all with more guitar presence but always with melodic vocals / harmonies and synth background.
Mixed and mastered in Stockholm by Mats Ericsson (Degreed drummer) “Face It” is a really, really good classic Melodic Rock / AOR effort by Phase II Phase.
Not only the band have improved the songwriting on this second CD, but now the arrangements are much more focused and Zalo Lopez’s accent is gone. Solid songs, catchy choruses, keyboards / synths in abundance… I’m in.
Fans of late ’80s Scandinavian sound in this genre served with an updated production you should check Phase II Phase’s new album now.
Strongly Recommended
01. Running Out
02. Feel the Heat
03. Greed
04. Future
05. Madness
06. Heaven and Hell
07. Where Do We Go
08. Open Your Eyes
09. Will You Remember Me
10. Oh, Lord
11. The Sign
12. How Do I Feel
Zalo Lopez (vocals, guitar)
Alfredo Clemente (guitar, vocals)
Jorge Gomez (keyboards)
Jose L. Gallera (bass, vocals)
Stelian Cotet (drums)
BUY IT !
www.amazon.de/Face-Phase-II/dp/B0725JGQF2
www.thefishfactory.es/
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