BREAKING PANGAEA
Phoenix (Equal Vision Records)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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Phoenix commences with a coarse, almost emo-core disposition ("Worst Part"), and shifts into stringent, militaristic riffing by track three ("Closer"). The mantra-like ending of Closer recalls Garrison, and the mini album ends with phrasing that makes you think of Cave In on their own Tides of Tomorrow EP. Some of the chords on Closer can induce dizziness, but knowledge that the geezer playing them has a degree in jazz guitar will help bring things into focus. I can count on exactly one finger the number of antecedents he's got, and if you guessed Page Hamilton (Helmet) you've won a free toaster oven. It isn't at all fair to them though to jump straight to an "emo" classification whilst summing up their newest, just because the man on the mic (aforementioned guitarist Fred Mascherino) doesn't growl, shout, or act like someone's stapled his sac. They're the logical progression/conclusion to what everyone else is (literally) shouting about. This, their second EP release, and third recording overall, touches post hardcore like the sunset after a storm.

8/10

© 2003 - Jason Thornberry