Phideaux - Automoto Animus

Phideaux - Automoto Animus
Bloodfish

We have had to wait eight years for it, but now there is a new album by Xavier Phideaux, the American singer-songwriter. His new album is called Automoto Animus, and the eight years he spent on it have been absolutely worth it.

Phideaux is backed by a huge number of musicians—about 13 if I count quickly—including one of my favorite guitarists, Fernando Perdomo. As usual, Phideaux's lyrics are absolutely worth listening to, but certainly also to reading. The man has substance, and he makes that very clear.

You can also tell that Phideaux works a lot for television. His compositions are absolutely cinematic and evocative. The eight songs on Automoto Animus, set in 2062, are of high class. That starts right away with the song ‘Do what you will’. Another highlight on this album is ‘Charlie New’, and the album closes with the beautiful, 14-minute and 14-second-long ‘Legend of Mary Joe’.

What can you compare Phideaux’s work to? Actually, no one, but there are certainly many influences. You notice some Alice Cooper drama, but there is definitely a classical touch to it as well, while at other moments it rocks like crazy.

Phideaux sings wonderfully and plays keyboards—especially piano—bass guitar, and electric and acoustic guitar. His piano work, in particular, is very beautiful.

I am quite taken with this album. I have listened to it a few times now, and it actually keeps getting better. In 2011, Phideaux produced the album Snowtorch, which is still one of my favorites (especially the song Snowtorch 2 is fantastic). But I have to say that this absolutely does not fall short. Phideaux is evolving more and more, and okay, it took eight years, but what a beauty this album is. This will definitely be on repeat for the time being and will end up high in my year-end ranking.