Phosphorus
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A mostly electric free project spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist Curvey, as Custard Flux he creates a very distinct version of progressive rock that incorporates pop, psychedelic and even folk moments.
“The Pretender/Memory Ends” opens the listen with scrappy, agile drumming to complement the swirling guitar and melodic singing in the dynamic, prog-climate, and “Phosphorus” follows with a flowing dreaminess that welcomes Mars Williams’ soulful sax playing.
Further on, the Portuguese guitar from Vito Greco helps cultivate a cultured and meticulous delivery of acoustic meets psychedelic rock, while “Roses And Wine” offers hypnotic textures of busy and expressive multi-faceted song craft.
Landing closer to the end, the intimate “Orbital Transport” offer both beauty and ruggedness in its precise layering that benefits from Timothy Prettyman’s double bass, and “The Face Of Mankind” exits with Jay Tausig’s airy flute adding much mystery to the exciting and unique finish.
Curvey spent 3 decades as the mover and shaker behind the psych-prog-pop outfit The Luck Of Eden Hall, and this newer project is quickly seeing a lot of praise and for good reason; the songwriting here is top notch, memorable and highly original.
Travels well with: Knekklectric- Alt Blir Verre; Moon Letters- Thank You From The Future