Lucky number seven for Phosphorescent
Matthew Houck, aka Phosphorescent, has been weaving his musical career together since 2001. The Alabama born singer-songwriter has graced the studio once more with his seventh studio album, C’est La Vie. This album is a long time coming for Houck with his last release, Muchacho, being released in 2013. An album that seemed to come from a dark place in Houck’s life, Muchacho was, in large, an album to express realization and moving forward. With a change of pace, having a child and a change of scenery, moving from New York back to Nashville, Houcks most recent set of songs are bursting with love and serenity.
The nine-track album starts with an ominous and moody track titled “Black Moon/ Silver Waves.” Sonic like keys and a steady incline of guitar and drums build until you feel like you’re in the middle of a cinematic score. Seeping its way into the next track, “C’est La Vie No. 2” sounds like the sound that plays in the background when the guy is running to get his girl back but is just a little too late. “C’est La Vie,” being an expression to downplay disappointment, is the perfect song to overcome life’s hardships. A simple hook and a pop-like loop drive the song for a reassuring few minutes.
“New Birth In New England” sounds like an instant classic with its feel-good vibe and exciting harmonizing. Next up on C’est La Vie is a track titled “There For Here” which exemplifies the classic Houck sound. Simple guitar, drums and shooting keys matched with his personal lyricism. The album continues to go up and down hills of emotion with tracks like “Around The Horn” and “Christmas Down Under.” “Around The Horn” blends the lines between pop and rock quite nicely and proves to be a somewhat cookie-cutter indie pop song that anyone would love to sing along to. “Christmas Down Under” proves to be one of the more somber songs on the album right off the bat. A bit of a country sounding opening is met with a computerized sounding harmony of voices. Although a bit long, the sounds end with a fantastic guitar solo that is worth the wait.
The album ends with hits like “My Beautiful Boy” and “Black Waves/ Silver Moon.” The former being a wonderful tribute to his new child and love in general—a sound of whimsy and joy as any listener can relate to the lyrics in one way or another. The latter being the final track on the album. A weird mix of loud vocals and drum rhythms complete the minute long song. C’est La Vie concludes on a note of uncertainty with a mix of satisfaction.
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