Crippled Black Phoenix: New Dark Age

I've always argued that cover versions of Pink Floyd songs should never be attempted. I do make an exception for The Australian Pink Floyd, a band greatly admired by David Gilmour. In the case of Crippled Black Phoenix's take on "Echoes," I also have to make an exception to my rule. The version here is so well-played, so well-executed, that it is certainly worth a listen. I've got it playing as I write this and I'm in especially in awe of the way the guitars draw out the expressiveness of David Gilmour's original. This is good stuff.

The other two tracks on this EP are also worth a listen. "New Dark Age," a title that I really want to connect to Lovecraft's opening paragraph of "The Call of Cthulhu," worries over the power of human ignorance. It's a reasonable worry and a terrific track. As with "Echoes," the guitars are beautifully expressive and help create a mood of sadness and longing that I found compelling. Even though I give the guitars so much attention, there are tons of other instruments added to the mix, including a saw and a banjo. The vocals are no less evocative of the overall mood this band explores on this release. This is a band to enjoy for all its layers. "Spider Island," though somewhat less interesting than "New Dark Age," nevertheless demonstrates this band's obvious skill for writing dark rock songs that capture much of bleakness and sorrow of the modern age. Cripple Black Phoenix clearly has the chops to pull of ambitious and insightful progressive music for our crazy new age. I look forward to future releases from them.

Track Listing:
1. Spider Island
2. New Dark Age
3. Echoes, pt 1
4. Echoes, pt 2

Added: January 23rd 2016
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1621
Language: english

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