NEW ALBUM – James PM Phillips – Spite, Bile & Beauty
The bardic legend of Bangor has checked-in, been through duty-free and is on a trip round the galaxy. Yes, James Phillips adds to his bulging black catalogue [sic] with a new album, ‘Spite, Bile & Beauty’.
This eclectic collection of songs, pieces and whatnots is a welcome addition to 2023, and released late enough in the year to see you into the next.
A collaboration with the equally esoteric Alan Holmes, the album has been waiting to be given wings for a good couple of years while James remonstrated Lockdown in his inimitable way.
Opening with the napalmed death rattle of Seminal Visceral Catharsis, we head into the medieval That Is All, with the emphasis on eval (or evil). The morbidity doesn’t let up as James explains; ‘My head is full of rats. My knees are full of razorblades.’
Fear not little flock, ‘Spite, Bile & Beauty’ is not entirely sodden in morbidity as the sleeve notes confirm; ‘Generally the songs are more upbeat, humorous and concise (on some occasions very concise!) and are performed on an array of exotic instruments from James’ extensive collection. Some are gentle and acoustic, others rock out with distorted guitars. Producer Alan Holmes joins in on a couple of tracks on metal percussion, additional vocals, and possibly Tibetan singing bowl (they had too much fun recording to make detailed notes).’
Cig Dyn is a particular favourite, and like the previous rat infested tune, I’d love to hear this covered by some crash, bang, wallop punk band. There’s trademark ‘old’ James Phillips input here too, where he lets the rain wash the pain away in the beautiful My New Friend. The song Older has been knocking around for a few years; this recording has turned a traditional James Phillips live acoustic favourite into a demon summoning mantra (yeah!).
The sleeve artwork by Terri Black depicts this record superbly… Worth framing.
No.1 Auto kind of hints at The Dickies’ Manny, Moe & Jack (kind of) and I absolutely adore the instrumental joyful buoyancy of Brian.
Oh, and don’t listen to Chronic Pain on acid… (I didn’t BTW).
Released on Alan Holmes’ Turquoise Coal label as a free download on bandcamp – hopefully on CD soon.
