The Phoenix Foundation @ Pianos 6/9: Hey Sam, Where's Matt's CD?

I didn't know much about The Phoenix Foundation before going to the show last night. I did, however, only listen to half of an mp3 before deciding it would be worth it to trek into the city to see them perform their first New York show ever. I'm glad I did. So often are we contented with mediocrity, especially in the NYC blogosphere, that seeing a good solid band with great, and at time surprising, songs was a breath of fresh air.


I think The Phoenix Foundation is the first band I am adding to my roster from New Zealand (correct me if I'm wrong). I am not sure what NZ rock sounds like, but if TPF are any indication I would say it was a combination of surfer music (think 311 and the Beach Boys) with a heavy Dark Side of the Moon influence and a bit of Nick Drake thrown in.


From song one of their set I was hooked and found myself more than bouncing along to the music. There were many great tunes, but my favourite was the lively, dramatic, fist pounding 'It's a lie.' I wish I could find an mp3 of it because truly, it was love.


You can check out the song 'Sister risk' here. The boys' mini tour of NYC will continue tonight at 8pm in the Cake Shop and tomorrow night at Mercury Lounge, also 8pm. Do yourself a favour and go, rock out and laugh at these affable Kiwis' endearing banter.

Oops, I almost forgot the title explaination. During the set, drummer Richie's stick broke so Sam asked an audience member to fix it while they continued to play. After a few seconds, Matt so graciously volunteered and in return, Sam offered to give him a free cd after the show. He forgot, it's cool, nice meeting you though Sam. Welcome to NYC.