PHOENIX & THE SHADOW

Maybe once a year a record hits your mailbox out of the blue that completely knocks you on your ass. This EP by Brooklyn's PHOENIX AND THE SHADOW (lyricists Voodo FE' and Taron Benson) is that record, imbued with undeniable old-school vibes and refreshing next-school vision. Comprised of nine tracks (plus an excellent remix of "WHEN I'M DRUNK"), each cut displays such range and skill that it brings a smile to your face. Voodo Fe' is less serious but not frivolous, usually working in a flow that mixes Busta Rhyme with either Red Rat or Beenie Man, killing it equally, fast or slow. Benson is one of the dopest and strongest female MC's out there, right alone with Rah Digga, old-school Latifah and Lyte. Recommended cuts: the drum 'n' bass deepness of "GET EM"; the funny recollections of "SEX"; the fast, kinetic "WE DO" and the cool sexy groover "PUSH PUSH". - BRIAN COLEMAN

Genre-defying feats are hard to come by in the ever-narrowing hip hop offerings these days. Thankfully, the musical influences in PHOENIX AND THE SHADOW'S "Different They Think" read like a list of the sections at your favorite dj record store. Buzzy drum&bass-ish synth basslines snake their way through dirtysouth crunk- funk beats, and dubbed out guitar licks and dancehall style vocal hooks all converge to form a backdrop for hard-edged hip hop lyrics. Notably, P.A.T.S. is a co-ed duo, another hiphop anomaly, which they work to their benefit in a heavily hormonal dialogue. Song topics range from a first sexual experience ("Sex") to the beer-goggle effect ("When I'm Drunk"). "Push Push" is a standout, with it's native- tongue inflected track. But its playful daisy age vibe doesn't really seem to belong on this more Outkast-flavored release. Overall, a solid first effort, "Different They Think" falls short of brilliant, but shines in it's open-mindedness, diversity, and honesty ... which is different, I think. - dj scribe

There's a new sound emerging out of Brooklyn. If you are a New Yorker, then you
know that the music scene here is at a cross-road. New artists and groups are not just
expanding the horizon of their musical styles; they are straight up re-inventing the
music scene. Gone are the boundaries that once locked up music. Today's artist freely
merges and experiments with all genres, looking to craft something totally unique.
Several are trying to make this happen. One that has succeeded is "PHOENIX AND THE SHADOW," a group that you will be hearing much more of in the future. Taron Benson and Voodo Fe' Mathelier are the leads in the dynamic Brooklyn band. After representing lovely with an east coast college tour where they opened for groups such as Run DMC, Naughty by Nature and Me shell Ndegeocello, the two have now begun the next movement to bring the world a fresh sound, blending styles of hip-hop, Drum&Bass and Caribbean flavors.

“PHOENIX AND THE SHADOW” come off like some futuristic Bonnie & Clyde, running through the competition with their dark, sexy style.  As I listened to their CD, it was raining slightly outside, and I had some sandalwood incense burning, to break up the stale air.  As soon as the CD started, it seemed as if the room was waiting for its theme music to start, so that it could come alive.  Really though, this is some seriously cool shit!  The first track “Get ‘Em” hit the walls like a wrecking ball, swinging its hard acid synth lines up against the hyped up percussion tracks and tearing down anything in its way.  Taron and Voodoo begin to warn all the party people that when their in the spot, you better check your partner, because they just might “Get Em”!  But it was the next track that did it.  “Existence” slinks up with its warm, fuzzy, muted guitar lines and then BOOM, Taron comes through with the floating chorus.  This is like some funk-rock new millennium slow jam for you mind!  Next is the super slick “Push Push” a song about a simple train ride that turns into a sexy scene.  If only every N train ride was so satisfying. The last track is another example of Phoenix and the Shadow rocking their “Trippy Star” style on “You Don’t Hear Me Though” with the ill stuttering hats, flipping back and forth in the track while Taron and Voodo drop science that goes unheard.   This is one of the coolest CDs out. - Laron