Paddy Leitsch: Reviews

One thing I miss about listening to albums, is the concept of listening to an entire album. Many CDs are more a collection of songs put out to fill 74 minutes. The Phoenix Project, however, is a complete experience from start to finish that pulls the listener through a variety of styles and thoughts making the entire experience greater than the sum of its parts. Playing all of the guitars, keyboards, and the bass himself, Leitsch manages to convey different styles and emotions in each compostion. Progressive rock songs like the title track and Dreamscape prove that hours spent in a practice room can result in virtuoso sounds that elevate a listener from the static of mainstream music. All I See Is You is an excellent jazz song that would not be out of place on a Wes Montgomery album. Falling Into Citadel showcases techno grooves that are thoughtfully composed, unlike the many monotonous noises that are played in clubs. Return To Black Mountain Side makes Jimmy Page wish he wasn't the sloppiest guitarist in the world. The title of the album is fitting. Listening to mainstream music (and even a lot of underground music) has left myself and many others disillusioned at times, but Leitsch has plunged himself into the flames and rises out with reasons to keep listening.