Album Review: 'Phoenix' by The New Deal
by Jeffrey Glenn
With Phoenix, The New Deal's latest full length, the foundational electronic jam group succeeds in capturing the ecstatic, hypnotic ambiance of their live performances. The title signals a rebirth for the Toronto trio, who prior to recording this album added drummer Davide Di Renzo to the fold. This event represents in many ways a return to the band's roots, as an impromptu live jam with Di Renzo provided the initial spark for the group's approach. Subsequent concerts and this LP stand as testaments to the resulting reinvigoration of the New Deal's sound and inspiration.
That sound is built on the rhythmic foundation of drummer Di Renzo and bassist Dan Kurtz, and the groove is ever-present. The music's insistent, repetitive (but never static) pulse drives its forward motion, and its dynamics provide the drama. The bass, subjected to a variety of modulations and distortions, becomes a morphing, shifting entity, by turns obscure, bouncy, or aggressive. Above and within all this sits keyboardist Jamie Shields, proving melodic and harmonic content as well as textural effects. The sonic palette is reminiscent of the 1990s club music that initially inspired the band. From the trance stabs and leads of "Grasping Thin Air" to the acid squelch and jungle pads of "Dorado III," the New Deal frequently cribs and re-contextualizes gestures from classic electronic music to moving effect.
That sound is built on the rhythmic foundation of drummer Di Renzo and bassist Dan Kurtz, and the groove is ever-present. The music's insistent, repetitive (but never static) pulse drives its forward motion, and its dynamics provide the drama. The bass, subjected to a variety of modulations and distortions, becomes a morphing, shifting entity, by turns obscure, bouncy, or aggressive. Above and within all this sits keyboardist Jamie Shields, proving melodic and harmonic content as well as textural effects. The sonic palette is reminiscent of the 1990s club music that initially inspired the band. From the trance stabs and leads of "Grasping Thin Air" to the acid squelch and jungle pads of "Dorado III," the New Deal frequently cribs and re-contextualizes gestures from classic electronic music to moving effect.
Phoenix comprises three multi-part suites, each part occupying its own track but flowing continuously to the next. The effect successfully replicates the "DJ mix" experience that is the hallmark of the live electronic scene. Each piece was recorded live-in-studio without overdubs. The trio effectively manipulates dynamics to create moments of tension and relief of the sort that can be so rapturous in a concert setting. "Grasping Thin Air" starts off as a midtempo stomper before breaking down into quasi-atmospherics, ebbing and flowing until it peaks in a trance rave-up that mellows to a stripped-down dub texture before tapering off with a chilled-out percussive groove on a single chord. The jazzy synth pads and triplet swing of "Dorado III" conjure a Latin feel with the nimble percussion of Di Renzo. Growling bass and fiery drum fills ratchet up the tension, which dissipates into slinky sawtooth leads and understated rhythms, building again to a bouncy, dancefloor-filling house beat incorporating material from earlier in the piece. "Machina Electrica" also sports moments of hands-in-the-air, big-room progressive trance interspersed with more ambient material, culminating in a victorious, upbeat crescendo to the climax.
Phoenix is the first of a planned series of LPs of studio improvisations from sessions at bassist Kurtz's Asylum Studio that generated a purported sixty hours of recordings. The selections highlighted here will be warmly enjoyed by fans of the Disco Biscuits, STS9, Lotus, and others attuned to the electronic jam sound. Phoenix marks not only a significant entry in the canon of the New Deal's twenty-year career, but also an influx of creative energy that seems likely to carry them forward for many more.
Listen to/Purchase Phoenix here: https://thenewdealband.bandcamp.com/album/phoenix-2
Purchase tickets to see The New Deal at Ardmore Music Hall with Wax Future on February 21st:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thenewdeal-tickets-69880314903
Phoenix is the first of a planned series of LPs of studio improvisations from sessions at bassist Kurtz's Asylum Studio that generated a purported sixty hours of recordings. The selections highlighted here will be warmly enjoyed by fans of the Disco Biscuits, STS9, Lotus, and others attuned to the electronic jam sound. Phoenix marks not only a significant entry in the canon of the New Deal's twenty-year career, but also an influx of creative energy that seems likely to carry them forward for many more.
Listen to/Purchase Phoenix here: https://thenewdealband.bandcamp.com/album/phoenix-2
Purchase tickets to see The New Deal at Ardmore Music Hall with Wax Future on February 21st:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thenewdeal-tickets-69880314903
The New Deal UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Feb 20 – Asbury Park, NJ | Wonder Bar
Feb 21 – Ardmore, PA | The Ardmore Music Hall
Feb 22 – Brooklyn, NY | Brooklyn Bowl
March 19 - Roanoke, VA | 5 Points Music Sanctuary
March 20 - Charlotte, NC | Heist Brewery
March 21 - Asheville, NC | Salvage Station
April 2 - Grand Rapids, MI | Founders Brewery
April 3 - Indianapolis, IN | Mouse Trap
April 4 - Chicago, IL | Chop Shop
May 1 - Atlanta, GA | Aisle 5
May 2 - Charleston, SC | Charleston Pour House
May 6 - Columbus, OH | Summit Music HAll
May 7 - Buffalo, NY | Rec Room
May 8 - Pittsburgh, PA | Thunderbird Music Hall
May 22 - Chillicothe, IL | Summer Camp Music Festival
www.thenewdeal.com
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