A Phoenix Down – The Debauchery Continues / 2007 Independent / 7 Tracks / http://www.myspace.com/aphoenixdownrock / Reviewed 25 May 2007

“The Debauchery Continues” is only effort number two on behalf of Cleveland area rockers A Phoenix Down, but from the sound of the breakdowns and harmonies over this 7-track musical persuasion, they have me convinced that it’s time to hit big. First evidence to me is in the intro leading perfectly into what I would call the EP’s catchiest song, ‘On Stage or in a Bar Fight’. The intro/song combination brings a solid first impression of what is to come on the rest of the EP. The song features strong drum presence, an easy to love chorus, and a breakdown and hook to be remembered.

Lyrically, “The Debauchery Continues” is a sound product of awesome metaphors and slaps to the face of opposition. One of my favorite examples of this is in the opening of ‘Abra Cadaver.’ “I set out to find myself in the bottom of every bottle I could find with messages to fill them up in hopes that one would make its way to shore.” The metaphor is complex yet a concept I think listeners of the style love to grab onto. Instrumental parts that are just as much captivating as the chants found in a couple of the tracks back the vocals throughout. The title track ‘The Debauchery Continues’ features I think the best one liner on this EP of “we are better liars than lovers”, and I especially appreciate its use leading up to the breakdown which sounds like organized chaos. Love the fade in toward to middle. Also in this track can be found an intricate instrumental break with guitars playing a step apart and drums used to change time effortlessly. The band succeeds often with time changes, done best in ‘Tungsten.’ The bridge in this song is also very good lyrically.

‘Sirens’ opens with yet another case of the guitars bringing it forth to the highest. ‘Paris’ is one of the first tracks to be written but don’t think for a moment that it lacks the quality and high caliber of work found on the others. ‘Paris’ is where the group’s first confident use of multiple vocalists is found. And that example is pulled off wonderfully. Overall, the band brings forth 2 guitars that are constantly tag teaming or competing, drums that are tighter and more obvious than the standard, vocals with solid range that bounce from singing to screaming in a matter of counts, and lyrics that leave you singing and thinking well after the album is done playing. Props to A Phoenix Down, you win most improved band of the year for 2006, let’s see what you’ve got for the rest of 2007.

Top Tracks: On Stage, Paris

Rating: 9.2/10

[Charlie]