"If you are a fan of Grove/Atmoshperic music like Enigma, Delerium, Chorus of Tribes, etc. and you don't own this CD, do yourself a favor and buy it now. Every track is a delight! The opening song "Soul of Desire" (featured on Earthtone's Elevations 3) is a marvelous blend of haunting female vocals and groove that is truly erotic. Listen to the sample of "Earth Ritual" for a taste of amazing vocalizations and vocoder (I think). "Bol Taan" is the best mix of sitar, tabla and groove that you'll ever hear. "Gateways" starts off with a beautiful piano opening and the drum beats are outstanding and varied.This CD is not a take-off of Enigma but rather a starting point for a less rock oriented sound that is soothing yet isn't just audio wallpaper like many Enigma wannabes.I'd go into detail about each track, but what's the point; they are all superb. The CD has great melodies but never sounds "New Age". Put on this CD and lose all track of time and space. Mark Adams Allison is a very talented writer/producer who has put together a CD that truly rivals Michael Cretu of Enigma. The layers and layers of sounds and stereo seperation combined with excellent depth of fidelity make headphone listening a real treat.Don't fail to check out Mark Adams Allison's earlier project "The Spirit Level". Although it doesn't have the groove that this CD offers, it does have a wonderful ambient/oriental feel that is outstanding. He has just released a more dance oriented CD, "Star Machine" under his own name. Let the Soul of Desire take hold of you!"
A Musical Journey for the Soul
D. M. Press | 02/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A couple of weeks ago, I picked up a C.D. by the "Spirit Level", aka Mark Allison. I was so impressed by it, that I called Neurodisc Records and was told Mr. Allison had a C.D. called "Phobos". First of all, I would like to say,BUY THIS C.D. NOW! This is one of the best Ambient-House releases I have ever heard. If you like William Orbit or Loop Guru, you will love "Phobos". Mr. Allison's vision of the future of electronica can be heard in the 13 beautifully arranged songs on this C.D. This, my friends, is mood music for the 21st Century. Mr. Allison combines lush soundscapes with a driving backbeat, and adds a hint of Asian instrumentation (reminiscent of Loop Guru). Add to that the beautiful background vocals of Anna Lai and Aco Takenaka. Much like Elizabeth Frazer of The Cocteau Twins, they blend in the music in such an etheral way, their vocal seem to be another layer of instrumentation. As I listened to it the first time, I was amazed that there was not one bad song on this C.D. It actually seemed to get better as it went on. Music just doesnt get any better than this. I predict Mr. Allison will be a producer/composer to be reckoned with in the first decade of this new century. If not, I know for sure he continue to make music to sooth the mind and soul. Arnol Garza, San Antonio TX"
Thank you for all the kind words - PHOBOS-
M. Allison | Los Angeles, CA | 05/31/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hi all! I just wanted to thank all the PHOBOS fans who have supported me over the years. Your kind words have been such an inspiration to me. I am happy to announce that I have my first new release in four years coming out.
The CD is under my project name, Mysteria and the title is "Tempting the Muse".
If you liked PHOBOS I think you might enjoy this one. I look forward to hearing from you guys!
Peace and Love,
-PHOBOS (M. Allison)
"
Lush and invigorating!!
Rhonda L. Thomas | Tulsa, OK United States | 08/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love "New Age" music that has energy, a great beat, etheral sounds and voices without too much actual singing. This CD fills that bill and more. It has KILLER bass, so if you have a sub-woofer, it will blow you away. The music and mood are moderate to fast-paced, the tones and sounds are sensual and invigorating and the voices are hypnotic. I'm tired of rock and pop, yet so much new age music today seems to be meant to put you to sleep. When I'm working or sitting at home I want to hear music that makes me glad I'm alive. Phobos is that music."
Mesmerizing...
jasonsib | Hong Kong | 10/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I read some of the previous reviews about this album here in September and I bought it eventually in Tokyo as I couldn't find it here in Hong Kong. Phobos at once became one of my favourite albums and I can't sleep unless I play track #2 (Earth Ritual) & track #7 (suna) before I go to bed. Aco Takenaka's voice on both tracks is like that of an angel. Every song in this album is unique and very different from each other and I disagree with some previous reviews saying that it resembles Enigma a lot. I love both of Enigma and Phobos but their music are definitely not the same."