Phogg 🇸🇪 - ‘Tears’ (single)

We’ve really been treated this week. Firstly Major Parkinson presented their view of the apocalypse, all horns, grand ideas and the faint suggestion of a helicopter or three, and then NMR favourites Phogg arrive with their final track before the releases of their new album. And as ever, the first rule of Phogg Club applies: you never quite know what’s in the Phogg curiosity box until you open it.

What’s inside this time is 'Tears', and straight away we should acknowledge that we were not expecting Tom Jones to peek out of the box. He doesn’t hang around for the entire track — he’s a busy man, of course, and that’s not how Phogg operate - just enough to carry the song halfway through before the vocals and melody move into a different phase.

The second half is a particular delight, with a string quartet offering a measured accompaniment to the main melodic theme, before we’re treated to another ‘one take’ trumpet solo from Niklas Barnö. His contributions continue to take the Phogg sound off at an unexpected angle, as if they ever needed the encouragement.

Similarly to many of the newer Phogg tracks, Tears doesn’t demand your attention so much as quietly steal it. They’re a very different band to Major Parkinson, of course, even though the Cardiacs connections are there with both, but the complexity of both bands music always gives me the feeling I’ve missed something important — which of course means I want to listen again and again.

The new Phogg album is now just 11 days away, and after so many lovely singles, I’m really looking forward to hearing how the whole thing fits together.

Release Date: 23rd January

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