Endless creativity and a friendship that works on the intangible. PHI-108 has an MO that is ridiculously easy to look at and understand but difficult to keep. Distance keeps this dynamic duo apart, but they’ve rehashed their passion for music from different continents and time zones. Nothing can fracture a relationship tested by time and distance. This one is their latest EP, a collection that again expands on their strengths and gives you a narrative you want to get lost in. Welcome to Conditions of Re-entry.
Opening the EP with Die Young, you’re treated to an alternate version of The Cure, from the late 80s-early 90s. It’s not the themes per se, but how generously the elements play with each other to celebrate their love for melodies. From lyrical expeditions to symphonic segues, the duo named PHI-108 develops a unique fingerprint that is conjoined. If the melody is restrictive, they break out of it. If a pattern is predictable, poof, it’s gone. It’s a secret code they have developed through decades of camaraderie. We go on to the next single called The Measure.
A much more atmospheric number that way, it has a melancholic alt-country range to it. Soft in tempo and having a heartbeat for percussion, this song weaves ambient harmonics with the crisp notes that carry the song. When layers come in one by one, they play with the strings and vocals that croon emotionally. This song contrasts their style of the prior number by a complete 180, yet comes under the bubble of sounding like the same band and composers.
Heaven Knows might begin like a ballad that graced radios. What it turns into is perhaps one of the deeper, most effective grooves I’ve heard in many years. The bassline is crisp, yet complements the percussion. PHI-108 harmonise with each other while using metaphors to let their lyrics and voice take them places. A magic carpet of absurdism.
I must admit, certain transitions and moments reminded me of post-Waters Pink Floyd. A choir that is exciting adds a curtain drop and dimension of instrumental brilliance. You might be in the middle of a journey lost in space, but you’re always tempted with the power of gravity. They know how to bring out the rich dynamic of the guitar and piano, with a mastery in composition.
Seconds to Go might be the second-last single, but it carries a massive leg of energy for this incredible EP. PHI-108 knows how to craft a narrative to actually tell the story, rather than quickly deliver short-term entertainment. Tonal difference will always tell you which song you’re on and the state of mind of this protagonist. Incredible storytelling – as usual mastered by the indie performers.
I felt liberated by the time I reached Wanderers. This collection wasn’t about me, but I got deeply ingrained in the story I was told. Each instrumental pocket was your route into one sub-plot of this powerful tale. An EP designed to stay with you longer than you’d realise. Let me burn in glory as I re-enter Earth:
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