TRAGIK (Phil Vincent) – Path Of Destruction (2014)
* Complete, no missing tracks
One of the many Phil Vincent’s projects TRAGIK comes with a new album, “Path Of Destruction“, a collection of tunes that visits an eclectic variety of styles from melodic rock to hard rocking sounds.
Whether solo, with Legion, D’Ercole, or in this case, TRAGIK, Phil Vincent keep coming like there is no tomorrow. Tragik is perhaps Phil’s most melodic rock band / project where he lends to a more personal material, even in an earnest manner than on the solo albums under his own name.
Vincent is a prolific songwriter, but when you expand your arms like an octopus on too many projects at the same time, it puts you on risk to repeat yourself. Well, Mr. Phil Vincent is a clever musician, as he is absolutely focused separating the wheat from the chaff.
First of all, the man maintains a stable line up for every project. Tragik consists of Phil Vincent on vocals, bass, keyboards and occasional guitar, Damian D’Ercole on guitars and Dirk Phillips on drums, the same crew since the band born. Of course Damian D’Ercole is also bandmate in the group of the same name, but Phil is some kind of side member there, not the main director.
So Tragik works, rehearsal and record with its own identity, commanded by Vincent’s more classic inspired songwriting, quite far from Legion’s heavy Dokken-esque side.
When we talk about classic inspiration, Tragik mean Foreigner, Boston, some Styx, Kansas, and even The Beatles. It is definitely melodic rock oriented as always, but the arrangements are more adventurous, the keyboards play a larger role and the guitars riffs are smoother.
Tracks like “The Last To Know”, the great “All The Time In The World” (a highlight), “Look At Me Now” (Night Ranger comes to mind) or the highly melodic “What A Fool I’ve Been” (some Winger on it?) are high quality enthusiastic ’80s melodic rockers, full or catchy rhythms and harmonies. This is really, really good stuff.
Then, all these are interspersed by different, and varied material.
The acoustically filled “Reflections (Walk Away)” has a bit of Cheap Trick sensibility, “Destination Unknown” is a straight hard rocker with a pulsating rhythm, and “Right By My Side” is some how build by a Beatle-sque melody and reminds me Elefante’s work with Mastedon.
And we have the 16:46 song “Lake Of Tears” which should raise some eyebrows with its prog leanings and changing time signatures. Don’t be afraid, this is a fantastic song with some ’80s Kansas feel, a middle section with nice keyboards and a melodic rock ending full of nuances. There’s some tasty guest guitar solos from Legion’s Vince O’Regan to spice up the pot.
Phil Vincent never disappoints you. “Path Of Destruction” is another great product from his inexhaustible factory.
Vincent has been working hard lately to improve one important flaw initially present years ago on all his bands / projects: the uneven production (Phil is at charge always).
Well, as happened with Tragik’s previous album, “Path Of Destruction” is another triumphant effort on this department. Where the drums used to sound flat and mechanical, now all come crisp & clear, while the abundant keyboards and sharp balanced guitars are perfectly mixed with the fluid lead vocals / harmonies.
Highly Recommended.
1 – Look At Me Now
2 – The Last To Know
3 – All The Time In The World
4 – What A Fool I’ve Been
5 – Reflections (Walk Away)
6 – Lake Of Tears
7 – Destination Unknown
8 – Right By My Side
9 – Thank You
Phil Vincent – Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, add. Guitar
Damian D’Ercole – Guitars, Percussion
Dirk Phillips – Drums, Keyboards
Vince O’Regan (Legion) – guest guitar solo
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