BOA, PHILLIP & THE VOODOOCLUB
EARTHLY POWERS (CARGO RECORDS)
"Earthly Powers" is Phillip Boa's 19th studio album, the title is a commentary on the world situation and an homage to one of his favorite books: Earthly Powers by British author Anthony Burgess.
"Earthly Powers" was recorded and produced in London and Malta by David Vella, Phillip Boa and Ian Grimble (Daughter, Mumford + Sons, Temples, Manic Street Preachers), and mastered by Fred Kevorkian (The National, Sonic Youth, White Stripes) at Power Station, New York.
The twelve songs on "Earthly Powers" can be imagined as episodes that tell of the times.
The single "A Crown For The Wonderboy" has crisp guitars, a catching chorus melody - the lyrics are about the egoism of these days, the compulsion of constant self-optimization and self-presentation.
"Nightclub Flasher", while borrowing the beat from Northern Soul and the melody from the Britpop of the 90s, is another hit ! The very personal "Drown My Heart In Moonshine" is one of those big Boa ballads.
"Strange Days After The Rain" and "Cruising" also have enormous depth, both songs take their time.
The chant on "Moonlit" is reminiscent of Blixa Bargeld's great performance, "Chas And Billy Ray" tells a tale of two old rockers.
The deeper one delves into the world of "Earthly Powers", the more intense the encounters with these fictional characters and memories become.
Phillip Boa has reached his destination. The album works like a novel and is the record that takes Phillip Boa & The Voodooclub to a new artistic peak.