Phenotract – Tides (EP – Phenotract)
Genre/Influences: Dance-pop.
Format: Digital.
Background/Info: Eric Shans is now active for more than twenty years. I got the opportunity to discover most of his latest releases under the Phenotract moniker, the last album going back to 2016 (cf. “It’s All We Feel Every Day”).
Content: “Tides” reveals 3 new songs by the American artist. Phenotract is mixing danceable vibes together with electro-pop music. The kicks and hi-hats are very danceable-like while the music has something wafting. The vocals have been produced a shimmering way.
+ + + : I like the dreamy and somewhat crystalline approach of Phenotract. It sounds danceable, but not cheap! The wafting sensation has something evasive and relaxing.
– – – : I’ve already heard most convincing work from Phenotract. I can’t say there’s a real highlight or title song featured here. It moves nicely around, but without climax.
Conclusion: If you’re not into classical electro-pop music and pure ambient work is not your cup of tea, Phenotract brings you a danceable and easy-listening alternative mixing both genres together.
Best songs: “Turning Tides”.
Rate: (6).
Artist: www.phenotract.com / www.facebook.com/phenotract
About Phenotract
Phenotract is the long-running electro-pop project of American musician Eric Shans, who also records as half of Fermion alongside Augustine Backer.
Phenotract releases include “Within A Second” (2003), “Transient Messages” (2007), “Shifting” (2010) and “From This Picture” (2013). “Tides”, reviewed here, followed in 2020.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
