Description:
This CD collects all of the pre-"Raise The Bullshit Flag" recordings from Indiana's PHOENIX BODIES. Included here is the tracks from the split CD/LP with ENKEPHALIN, the song from "The Pacemaker Says To The Microwave" compilation, and their split 7"s with SHIKARI, TYRANNY OF SHAW, RAEIN, and THE DREAM IS DEAD, as well as a full live set from Dude Fest 2004 and the seven-song demo. Also included is a bonus DVD of live sets from Dude Fest 2004 and Summerslam Festival 2004 and a mini interview with the band. This is the U.S. version of this collection, packaged in a double disc jewel case with an 8-panel booklet.

available

Reviews:

Burning Angel:

"Phoenix Bodies' Too Much Information compiles all of the band's releases prior to their Raise The Bullshit Flag full-length and a live set from 2004's Dude Fest. To top it off, it includes a DVD of the aforementioned Dude Fest set (showcasing naked band members and flying Doritos), their 2004 Summerslam performance and a brief interview that features one of their vocalists urinating mid-interview on camera.

Phoenix Bodies has a sound that isn't easily defined. Many use the term "grindcore" and others describe them as "screamy hardcore", but they don't fit neatly into a genre. Virtually all of their songs are under two minutes in length and showcase blastbeats, speedy riffs and pummeling breakdowns that are characteristic of bands of their ilk. What separates them from most bands playing similar styles of music is a combination of their musical proficiency, ability to craft melodies and interesting riffs amongst a wall of discordant sound, and solid production.

Although elements of grindcore and metal are plentiful, there is enough rawness (along with humorous and socio-politically charged lyrics) to make this record feel fundamentally within the family of hardcore rather than metal. Phoenix Bodies' strongest asset is an ability to avoid writing songs that sound simply like exercises in style or technical exhibitions lacking substance. Instead, they infuse their songwriting with enough subtle melody and interesting transitions that their albums have soul.

After spending much of my adolescence digesting obscene amounts of grindcore, fastcore and power-violence, my interest in the genres waned. Listening to Phoenix Bodies reminded me of how fun this style of hardcore can be. The more I listened, the more I found myself emotionally engaged in the songs and anticipating the breakdowns and transitions. While I'm not sure they will appeal to those who don't normally follow this sound, anyone who likes their hardcore screamy and blisteringly fast should take note."