Phao is back with their second CD “Playing With Fire.”
The Lethbridge trio began as a Christian rock band but have moved away from that to explore a more mainstream sound.
It starts with a big, loud, detuned modern rocker “Too Late,” which features Mike Gnandt’s stunning vocals, lots of big guitar and pop hooks to spare and follows it with the title track.
It features some very cool guests like bassist David Labruyere, best known for playing bass for John Mayer, on several tracks “For You,” “ Anything We Want, “Worth It,” “Faking Love,” “Know Your Name” and “Brought Me Back.”
They would all fit in very well on modern rock radio.
There are several big, loud modern rockers, some pop punk and a very cool duet with Winnipeg pop singer Jodi King on the outstanding “Anything We Want” who adds a fantastic contrast to a song that already makes the listeners’ hair stand on end.
“Brought Me Back,” is one of the many catchy pop-punk numbers, featuring some excellent background vocals.
Minke Gnandt’s voice is passionate, emotive and at times overwrought in places, but sure conveys his emotions.
Francois Goudreault provides more soul tinged pop tinged vocals on one of the big ballads “ Worth It,” as well as “For You.”
throughout the songwriting is tight and catchy filled with plenty of pop hooks.
Band: Phao
Genre: rock
