Phonic
Reviews
Phonic
Crossed The Line
Hailing from Bristol, Phonic are currently the subject of hype by
various UK critics desperate to be the first to latch onto the 'next
big thing' of this year. There is a fair reasoning behind this:
Phonic are new, different, with an eclectic bunch of influences up
their sleeve. The band combine pop, electronica, rock and indie
elements in their songs, creating a pleasantly fresh sound. However,
ingenious as it may be to mix male and female harmonies, the mixture
of Maudie Lowe's sultry, smooth voice against Shane Roynon's cool,
masculine vocals creates a texture that grates on your nerves on songs
such as 'Glorious'. When either sings solo their music is very much
enjoyable. However, it seems that Phonic are trying hard to have the
X-factor, but it feels like it's being used to the wrong effect.
6/10
Amy Bangs
Rock Sound October 2003
Phonic
Crossed The Line
Maudie Lowe's vocals filter through fellow singer Shane Roynon's to
make a thick bed of alpha-beta harmonies that pulls Phonic's generic,
yet appealing, rock slowly through the gears. Handled well they could
fly.
3/5
Logo September 2003
PHONIC
'Crossed The Line'
( Sugar Shack Records )
Driving indie rock nuggets from Bristolian four-piece.
It's nice to get something a little different in your review pile now
and again. And with a huge amount of talent emerging from within the
UK scene at the moment it's a good time to welcome Phonic into your
life. 'Crossed The Line' sees the boy/girl pairing of Shane Lee
Roynan and Maudie Low exchanging breathy vocals over a dynamic mix of
alternative rock and chiming introspection. And whilst their debut
album may have it's waker moments, the stronger ones more than make up
for it, sometimes even recalling the genius of underground rock
outfits like The Pixies and JeJune.
4/5 BIG CHEESE , NOV 2003
PHONIC
'Crossed The Line'
( Sugar Shack Records )
Decent indie-rock from Bristol duo. It's another girl/boy two-piece but thankfully they're a million miles
away from ripping off The White Stripes or The Kills. Phonic actually
have two non-official members to beef up what is essentially decent
indie-rock that leans towards Super Furry Animals, but would suit
Feeder fans in a bad mood or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club fans wanting
some clarity.
'Crossed The Line' starts particularly well with a
wonderfully creepy opening track-a fuzzy, distorted and eerie vocal
distantly reciting saccharine sentiments to an object of
desire. From there, the 13-tracker doesn't always grip or deliver, as Shane Lee
Roynon and Maudie Lowe swap vocal duties, their lyrics sounding
horribly predictable at times. Ultimately though, This does show some
promise. Give them time.
KKKK KERRANG ( Rae Alexandra )
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