Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Voodoo Phaser - Tropical Scenario

9/11/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Voodoo Phaser

Tropical Scenario
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

In 2014 Riede Faires started Voodoo Phaser in an attempt to write psychedelic rock. After taking a listen I have to say the music better fits into a category like art pop and has more in common with a band like Animal Collective than Cream. Voodoo Phaser is an extremely lo-fi album and some of it works at points and other times it felt like the songs were barely being held together. 

The first song “Tropical Scenario” isn’t only a case of it working but also one of the better songs on the album. “Tropical Scenario” is split into two distinct parts with the first being exponentially more enjoyable and engaging. The song relies on a steady kick, guitar and arguably the most infectious vocal mantra like melody. He sings, “Slipped on bananas recall thy karma painting the roses out with the dharma back in Fontana tears that you cried.” On the second half Faires does a good creating a dreamlike atmosphere but the sub frequencies were causing the song to be muddy. 

“Won't You Understand?” is a solid song that melds surf rock and psychedelia. I thought the drive from the drums was effective and the singing was reminiscent to that of Deerhoof. Faires shows some more success on “Chico, CA” which touts an engaging beat and serene vocals. It’s a catchy song with a good hook. 

I noticed on his Bandcamp it said that “Sun / Morning” was mastered by LANDR which is an online mastering service. There is a very noticeable difference in a good way. The vocal sounds are clear, there is more separation and some low end on the bass drum which was a nice touch. The song also happens to be one of the highlights on the album.

As the album progresses there are a number of other songs that fit the bill. “Nobody Knows Why” excels in the lyrics department and also utilizes a good guitar tone. The closer “Absent-Minded” is a seven-minute track that benefits from back and forth vocals and disparate elements. 

Voodoo Phaser is a project with a huge amount of potential. Some of the songs could have been cleaned up a bit and some fleshed out more but the core ideas are notable. I think this is a good start and hints at what could be around the corner. 
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band
© Divide and Conquer 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact