On
the Phoids' second release,
Marianne Doesn't Know Yet, the band offers more tunes in the same style as their debut -- scratchy vocals, music that jangles yet rocks, and tuneful spots offset by eventual blasts of distorted noise. Their sound encompasses many different styles and influences: country rears its head in singer Jac Calabro's vocal delivery ("M"), as well as
Big Star/R.E.M. relaxed guitar strumming ("Baby Menthol"), raucous, angry power pop ("I'll Smash Anyone"), and
the Smithereens ("Never Liked You Much"). One of the album's more surprising songs is "Godel," which goes through many mood shifts during its duration and winds up creating an anxious tension throughout. Towards the end of the album the band switches gears and slams you with several angst-ridden rockers ("Walk Away," "Merkle's Boner," "Johnny's On Time," and "No Good").
The Phoids should have no problem achieving greater success if their strong songwriting continues to develop as it did on
Marianne Doesn't Know Yet. ~ Greg Prato