Phileas Fogg

Item: Sun & Rain
Author: Barry Nothstine

Sun & Rain

(2003)

Reviewed by Barry Nothstine

Apple Music Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label independentThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

celtic folk rock progressive rock

PLEASE everyone, for goodness sake keep this fine group of young musicians AWAY from the Nashville CCM industry-I fear if they get signed, coached and "A & R"ed by a label they would be forced to A. Change their name, B. Replace the dream-like watercolor cover art featuring 2 children reaching for the sun and rain with the typical group mug shot and C. Lop 2-5 minutes of glorious and rich music from each of these gem-like songs (thus changing three of the things that I most enjoyed about this refreshing project).

Phileas Fogg is made up of a fine ensemble of musicians hailing from Washington State that have created a winsome and wonderful easy going progressive folk/rock/Celtic/pop smorgasbord of scintillating sounds that will have you wishing this release was more than an EP of 5 songs (six if you count the hidden "Irish Medley" that wafts in like a gentle breeze at the end of the CD). You will find yourself transported to an everlasting, warm summer day as you enjoy the breezy melodies and harmonies that abound in Sun & Rain. While listening to the Fogg's EP I found myself reminded of my favorite albums by Neil Young, Jars of Clay, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Caedmon's Call, America and even a bit of Rich Mullins in the classy "Abstractions and Metaphors"-featuring a dynamite piano/dulcimer/flute backdrop. "Treading Water" is a moody 10-plus minute song that begins with an acoustic blues hook and ends with a rich electric guitar solo.

Sun & Rain is a fine introduction to a group with talent as abundant as the different instruments on the CD. The lyrics are a lush, poetic celebration of life and faith...and the music is the perfect complement to the mix. The production is bright and tasteful allowing the various instruments to be heard and the music to have breathing space. I am anxious to see what the future will bring for this troop of talented folk. This is a Fogg you won't mind rolling into your day (ouch!).

4 tocks