Melodic Hard rock Masterpiece
by Todd C.
I found Phil Vincent's work through an import music magazine out of the UK called Hard Roxx, and I have never turned back! I own more than 7,000 Cd's ranging from the 1960's to today all mostly of the hard rock genre, so I definitely have a passion for things that go rock. Phil Vincent was something vastly different from most of the music out there; he plays basically every instrument on his CD's to include Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys, and he is quite a gifted singer as well. Aldo Nova was the first I had seen to play largely everything on his own releases, so I was curious after reading a review in Hard Roxx. Phil's influences were pretty diverse considering it mentioned the Beatles, Boston, Dokken, Talisman, Survivor, and Harem Scarem to name a few. Since I love all those influences myself and own all of their records, I decided to give Phil V a try and boy am I glad I did. Phil has an amazing ability to compose material that has a hook whether it be in the lyric, in his voice, in the rhythm, with the guitar, or the Keyboard work there is something to draw you in, and frankly after hearing his music, you will not want to leave. The music is powerful, melodic, and VERY upbeat in nature but it also has that "IT" factor. If you want harmonies in the vocals, his work is drenched in harmonies. You want intricate guitar work, this release is loaded with it and Phil is very skilled at doing something with his fills and rhythm work. For me, this was a first CD but not Phil's I found out he had at least 3 others before this one which I had a bit of trouble finding. The songs that stand out on this masterpiece include a great opening song Between here and there, Alone, Missing You, She,Game of Fools, Undone, and my personal favorite Outcast. Now you may notice I mention 7 of the 12 trax, that is how strong this CD is, but don't think there is filler. All 12 songs are wonderful, those are just my favorites and that is how strong this material is. Overflowing with hooks, yet with intricate tempo changes and songs that flow together or by themselves. It is hard to find, but very much worth looking for. If you can't find it, just look under Phil Vincent on the web and enjoy this, you will want them all to include his new band Tragik because it truly is an amazing body of work from a melodic rock artist that DESERVES to be a household name Like the Beatles or Bon Jovi. I love those artists so I don't state this lightly, give Phil V a try if you love rock music with an edge but lots of melody; I promise you it will become a CD to treasure!
