yay! good press!

INsite magazine CD review of… my band’s debut album! weeee!

Phoenix Saga (self-titled)
The self-titled debut release from Austin’s Phoenix Saga has made it’s way into my hands. When I poppedit into my laptop to listen, what I got was probably the most raw CD I’ve listened to in a long time.
Their style seems to jump from a 90s Toadies sound ("Can You Believe") to a Smashing Pumpkins feel ("Covenant") to a rocking folk version of Tool ("Last Page").
Lead vocalist/ guitarist Jose Alba has the ability to reach a great high-register that provides for some great harmonics. Along with bassist Sean Ellison and drummer Joe Kraft, this three piece is able to create a great sound.
They show no fear of the wa-wa pedal in "Cardigan," probably the biggest rocker on the CD. "I’m going to make you feel just like your’e losing control/ Don’t mind the troubles baby, let the good times roll."
The album jumps back and forth from acoustic to electric guitar, and it all fits. They could use a bit more polishing and a little more quiality production, but it’s about as strong of a debut album as I’ve heard.
I’ve not yet seen these guys in concert, but I’ll be rectifying that this month when I head out to the Austin Indie Alliance March Music Madness show at the Dizzy Rooster on March 16 where they’re playing at an early 6:30PM time slot. Come join me. check out myspace.com/phoenixsaga for more info.
On a side note, judging from their MySpace page, I don’t think I’d be too wrong in assuming that their name comes from a late 1970s X-Men comic book. (B-) Sean Claes

awwww shucks!  they think we rock!