The Phage - Princess Magma [CD]

In the summer of 2002 the Kish brothers, Mike (Queen Bee), Pat, and Tim, stumbled upon the rhythmic stylings of percussionist Ben Moore (Remainder). This band's been producing hard-hitting, melodic rock for short attention spans, in and around the Detroit area ever since. While they have memorable hooks and up-beat kicks, The Phage's sound is hardly run-of-the-mill and has been compared to taking a breath of fresh air while stubbing your toe on a brick of solid gold. The Phage's latest and first full length album, "Princess Magma", is full of catchy lyrics and simplistic melodies that often give way to group chants and even a scream-along chorus or two when played live. As well as being sympathetic to the A.D.D. generation, The Phage takes the time to capture all aspects of great song writing, and is well suited for the music lovers of the world that are thirsty for something fresh in their radio diet. The Phage's dynamic sound is largely due to a wide variety of influences spanning from Motown to metal and from old world to electronica; but when you listen you'll find that they seem to have twisted the best parts of Muse and Queens of the Stone Age together to come up with a very entertaining product that will wear out your player before it grows old. The Phage's previous EP, "Live Demo/ Studio Rec." is a classic example of the evolution of a band. There are a few songs from this disc still heard at live performances but as it is "Princess Magma" is a much better representation of the type of work this band is currently doing. "Live Demo/ Studio Rec." is fun to listen to and a must have for the die hard fan, but when it comes to over all quality of writing and execution of songs, "Princess Magma" is clearly superior. The Phage is always working toward their next best song and they're constantly coming out with more and better, well written and well received material. Every member of The Phage shows a commitment to their craft when they explode onto a live stage, seemingly possessed by the energy of the song at hand. The attention of the audience members tends to be pleasantly ensnared by the mesmerising antics and ever changing modes of sound. Bombastic percussion, crunchy, ear splitting guitar, over-driven bass, three vocals up front, and a little synth to fill it all in, are some of the main components of this heart racing, lung vibrating, fiasco known as The Phage!