Search - Socrates :: Phos

Perhaps Socrates' finest moment and one of the most influent

Constantinos Tzoannopoulos | Greece | 09/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After shortening their name to "Socrates" from the original "Socrates Drank The Conium", Greece's favorite and most famous rock trio collaborated with former Aphrodite's Child keyboard wizard Vangelis Papathanassiou (yes, THAT Vangelis) for this album, which is arguably their magnum opus and the closest they've ever come to the progressive rock genre. Lush, atmospheric keyboards enhance the intricate arrangements, which are on par with the best the international rock, hard rock and progressive rock could offer at the time. The only gripe is the wiry, weak and nasal tone of Yiannis Spathas' guitar. "Killer" is actually a reworking of the frenetic, driving "Death Is Gonna Die" from their previous effort, "On The Wings"; don't confuse it with Adamski's dance hit. "Mountains" is perhaps the finest example of how an electric guitar can be used to play a traditional improvised Greek clarinet solo. "Queen Of The Universe" is just what a love song should be, sensitive and heartfelt, without being mushy and corny - and it also has a gorgeous melody. "Starvation" is the album's most famous song. Although it's incredibly well-composed and written, this is where we see why I don't like the guitar tone. All of the songs, in general, are of a very high standard. I highly recommend this album to every rock connoisseur."