CD Review - Satellite by Nectarphonic

“If Natalie Merchant was backed by a psychedelic surf rock band it would be Nectarphonic. This band definitely qualifies for me as being one of the best in SoCal sounds right now.”
–Brooke Mason, Bitchin' Entertainment



Release Date: 30 November 2005

Genre: Surf Rock/Psychedlic Rock/Indie Alternative

Publisher: (C) 2006 Nectarphonic

Label: Nectarphonic Records

Time: 52m 42s

Review Date:24-May-2008

Format: CD

JivePK™: Currently not a Jivewired member


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Track Listing:

01. Undone 5:18
02. Satellite 3:55
03. Reign Of Colours 4:29
04. Replay 3:40
05. Boomerang 3:49
06. Pray For Today 4:14
07. Not My Life 3:24
08. Slide 4:35
09. Circles 4:18
10. Hang On 3:44
11. The Little Ease 3:58
12. Dubbish 1:00
13. Beautiful And Pitiful 8:28

Review:

"If you was hit by a truck and you was lying out there in that gutter dying, and you had time to sing *one* song. Huh? One song that people would remember before you're dirt. One song that would let God know how you felt about your time here on Earth. One song that would sum you up. What song would you play?" - Dallas Roberts as Sam Phillips in "Walk The Line"

For me, that song would be "Undone" by Nectarphonic. But more on that in a moment.

When describing unearthly objects one may invoke the following adjectives to paint an image: spacial, hypnotic, surreal, entrancing, celestial and ethereal. The same adjectives come to mind while listening to Satellite, the outstanding release from Nectarphonic.

Satellite is a seductive and intoxicating groove, grandiose rock bordering on psychedelia - an aurally orgasmic experience. The blistering bass lines of Adam Passow are incredible on the songs "Will I" and "Beautiful And Pitiful" and downright scorching on "Hands".

My favorite track is "Undone", an intelligently written and highly intoxicating piece featuring Ustad Khan Ali's stunning guitar and keyboard work. Judy Neubauer's haunting vocals shine on this song as well and the back line work of percussionist Lorenzo Scott is genuinely amazing. "Undone" is so good that if it were the last song I ever heard I could die completely satisfied.

I don't want to take away from the other tracks on this CD. Believe me, there is not one disappointing song. "Circles" and "Satellite", the title track, are outstanding cuts.

The work of Nectarphonic has been described as the love child of Pink Floyd and The Cocteau Twins. While that may be true, it may also be too limiting. Listen to the guitar work on "Beautiful & Pitiful" and I guarantee the first thing that will pop into your head is Jimi Hendrix. This is a CD that EVERYONE should have in their collection. This band is so good I may fly to Los Angeles simply to watch them perform live.

--Michael Canter www.jivewired.com

About Nectarphonic:



Nectarphonic forges a sound from the heavens above and the earth below, as if Portishead fronted Radiohead at a seedy downtown club. Liberally spiced with brutal dynamics or howling feedback, their music is ultimately an offering of beautiful sweetness. Sultry and sexy female vocals, haunting guitar lines and pulsing grooves create a very memorable vibe.

Since 1999, Nectarphonic's atmospheric groove rock has enchanted audiences and bookers throughout Los Angeles' eclectic club scene. The band's evocative musical approach has inspired producers to feature the songs "Will I" and "The One" in independent films and choose Nectarphonic's music for MTV's Real World, Road Rules, My Super Sweet 16 and other shows.

Nectarphonic's sophomore release "Satellite" cranks up the intrigue another notch, with further explorations into dreampop, groove rock, bone-crunching riffage, and timeless psychedelia.