New Zealanders The Phoenix Foundation's smart, dreamy, folky pop has made them a band to be reckoned with at home over the past decade. Geographical matters ensured that it took until their fourth album,
Buffalo
, for them to gather a cast of admirers further afield. The ambitious, expansive and multi-layered
Fandango
is sure to add to that following, with its infectious, robust, atmospheric tunes. The band's fondness for psychedelic reels has greatly influenced
Fandango
, with nearly every song coated in panoramic, kaleidoscopic hues. While they occasionally get carried away with the freak power of it all – it's no surprise that the 18 minute-long
Friendly Society
lacks cohesion – the likes of
The Captain
,
Modern Rock
and
Sideways Glance
are euphoric, pastoral and languid by turn.
thephoenixfoundation.co.nz
Download:
Modern Rock
,
Sideways Glance