The Phoenix

Two years after their resurrection, Chester Benningtons early post-grunge outfit Grey Daze issued The Phoenix, a follow-up to their 2020 compilation Amends that collected the tracks that never made it onto that set. While its predecessor was a potent time capsule of grief-stricken catharsis, The Phoenix contains more straightforward, radio-friendly rock blasts packed with enough angst and fury to wipe those tears away with clenched fists. Once again, Benningtons inimitable vocals are the focal point. From the first bloody roar on explosive opener "Saturation (Strange Love)," its clear that he is the main attraction, channeling his many influences, from Layne Staley to Richard Patrick. Speaking of the latter, the Filter frontman appears on "Believe Me," a spacious duet that slowly builds to towering heights at the chorus. Another famous friend, Dave Navarro, lends his guitar acrobatics to the pained "Holding You," which finds Bennington uncharacteristically off-key and loose with his delivery. In addition to "Saturation," other standouts include the energetic punk anthem "Anything, Anything," which features one of the most memorable hooks on The Phoenix, and "Hole," whose meaty riffs and pristine production are buffered by a vocal recording of Benningtons daughters Lily and Lila. Although much of the album does indeed feel like the leftovers, it provides yet another chance to hear the late singers voice unleashed on tape, an additional posthumous gift for his die-hard fans and loved ones. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

故チェスター・ベニントンがリンキン・パーク以前に籍を置いていたバンドによる、当時のヴォーカル素材を再構築しての2作目。チェスターの影響源でもあるデイヴ・ナヴァロを迎えた"Holding You"、リチャード・パトリックとデュエットした"Believe Me"があったりと、90sオルタナに立脚したパワフルな楽曲が勢揃い。ライヴが目に浮かぶような生々しい咆哮に興奮する。チェスターの娘2人が参加した"Hole"も感動的だ。
bounce (C)荒金良介