Phophos

An odd mix of samples and original songwriting, this is a sublime album which certainly deserves the attention of many an interested Jamendo user. There are obvious influences from gypsy rock, as well as a very laid back feel that sometimes seems to descend into quiet, easy electronica with guitars. It's very individual and a breath of fresh air from a whose music I'm very unfamiliar with.

My personal favourites are the final two, Nos Tempos do Dr. Roberto, where the band seem to drop back into a country and western style which rolls and increases in speed beautifully. Then there comes the final track, the wonderful Laura em Chamas, which is pretty, haunting and delightful. It sounds like a real classic from them.

Irreversiveis sounds like Gogol Bordello, with a touch of Razorlight and Kings of Leon for good measure. There is certainly an affinity with any rock group who have ever used samples, which they do to extremely good effect on lots of the tracks on H.G. Wells. They also seem to take some influences from classical Iberian guitar music, which blends with their individual sound rather delightfully.

Live, this group would sound incredible. It would be a wonderful show which might well change lives, and certainly involve the entire audience with a nice stage show. I'm unlikely to ever see them play live, but it sounds like anyone who would get the opportunity would have a great time.

The album is also just the right length, neither too long nor too short as many of the demos that appear on Jamendo are. The cover is amusing and intriguing, but I can't say it reflects their style perfectly. I'm not sure that's why it only gets 9 out of 10, but it goes some way towards the explanation. All-in-all, well worth listening to for the casual explorer of the Jamendo universe!