E.G. Phillips – Outlaw The Dead
E.G. Phillips takes listeners on a cinematic journey with his latest EP, “Outlaw The Dead,” a collection of soul-stirring tracks that showcase his storytelling prowess and musical versatility. Released under Ducks With Pants Records and produced by Chris McGrew, with additional input from the accomplished Jaimeson Durr, the EP delivers a rich rollercoaster of sounds that draws inspiration from the likes of Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen. The opening track, “Outlaw the Dead,” immediately sets the tone with its evocative narrative and atmospheric instrumentation. The vivid imagery in the lyrics, coupled with the haunting vocals of E.G. Phillips and the backing vocals of Grace Renaud, creates a compelling story of eviction and the unsettling disruption of resting places. The blend of guitars, electric bass, and keys, masterfully arranged by Christopher Fortier and Kevin Seal, adds depth to the musical landscape. “Boil the Ocean” follows with a poetic exploration of isolation and the struggle to navigate life’s challenges. The combination of E.G. Phillips’ vocals, Christopher Fortier’s guitar work, and the atmospheric keys creates a mesmerizing soundscape. The metaphorical journey unfolds against a backdrop of intricate percussion by Chris McGrew, enhancing the emotional impact of the track. “A Bridge Too Far (MacArthur Station)” showcases Phillips’ ability to capture the essence of personal struggles and the challenges of navigating relationships. Grace Renaud’s vocals add a layer of depth to the song, creating a poignant dialogue between the characters. The instrumentation, with its blend of guitars, keys, and percussion, complements the lyrical narrative, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience. The EP’s penultimate track, “It Ain’t Good to Be in Love with You,” takes a reflective turn, exploring themes of love, regret, and the complexities of human connection. The addition of Ethan Levitt’s tenor saxophone adds a touch of jazz-infused melancholy to the composition, enhancing the emotional resonance of the song. The track, “(I Can Pay You In) Bottles of Wine,” closes the EP with a unique blend of storytelling and musicality. The lyrics delve into themes of trade, regret, and the passage of time, accompanied by a well-crafted arrangement that incorporates baritone saxophone, guitars, and keys. “I Am the One Who Ghosts” concludes the EP with a haunting exploration of disappearance and the emotional toll it takes. Mar Vilaseca’s vocals add a different dimension to the track, creating a sense of melancholy and introspection. The song’s thematic consistency with the rest of the EP ties the collection together in a strangely thought-provoking manner. In “Outlaw The Dead,” each track stands out individually, yet together they form a cohesive narrative that explores the complexities of life, love, and the human experience.
Photo Credit: photo by Michael Hruska
http://egphillips.bandcamp.com/
https://facebook.com/duckswithpants
