The Phoenix Foundation "Horse Power" 2007

Horsing Around… 2002 was a turning point. The band met Lee Prebble, who became instrumental in the development of the Phoenix Foundation sound. They went into his studio The Surgery (then used by TrinityRoots and Shihad), emerging with debut album Horsepower...

...Experimental in technique, alt-folky, psychedelic, and with hints of electronica and country, Horsepower was impressive. ‘This Charming Van’ and ‘Let Me Die a Woman’ (originally recorded in Buda’s bedroom) struck a chord with listeners and critics, gaining significant airplay on RDU and 95bFM. Strong videos for ‘Gone Fishing’ and ‘Let Me Die a Woman’ (the Knack Award winner for outstanding results on a small budget), added to the band’s ever-increasing profile. Album track ‘Bruiser’ took advantage of their metal and funk backgrounds, with a metal-esque guitar solo and hypnotic rhythm section. Horsepower included instrumental tracks, something the band would do frequently on their albums.
Again self-funded, Horsepower was released in 2003, and the band signed with local independent music label Capital Records, who paid for mastering and distribution. As a parallel move, Luke Buda released his first solo album, The C-Sides, which built on live favourites from the early days of the band.
Taking flight… In between the release and support of Horsepower, and the recording of follow-up album Pegasus, the band changed bass players, with Warner Emery replacing Tom Hansen. They also moved from Capital Records to the Australasian indie label FMR, a time and place Scott speaks fondly of, especially one particular Christmas party … “Me and Warner … almost got into a fight with Kody Nielson from The Mint Chicks cause we were all so completely out of our brains.”...to be continued… - AUDIOCULTURE Amanda Mills

trax:
1. Sister Risk 2. Let Me Die A Woman 3. This Charming Van 4. The Swarm 5. St Kevin 6. Bruiser (Miami 4000) 7. Sally 8. Celebrate! 9. Going Fishing 10. Lambs 11. Wildlife 12. Going Fishing (Alternative Version)
…served by Gaius…