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Halcyon Phase

  • Home
  • Halcyon Phase
  • Studio Photos
  • Sills & Smith
  • Media and album art
  • Halcyon Phase merchandise
  • Music reviews Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice and Tendrils
  • Interview with Frank and Phil in Prog Sphere

Biography

Halcyon Phase is a collaboration between veteran singer-songwriter Frank Smith (Sills & Smith) & legendary producer/recording engineer and multi-instrumentalist Phillip Victor Bova (Bova Sound). The band has released two studio albums Tendrils (2021) and Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice (2024). 
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▶︎ Tendrils | Halcyon Phase (bandcamp.com)

Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice (bandcamp.com)

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6P9sEdPQc2hEbRiDpF5kuz 

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkRYBtwTFUA

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/HalcyonPhase

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/halcyonphase/

Blue Sky:

https://bsky.app/profile/halcyonphaseband.bsky.social 

Website:
https://halcyonphase.bandzoogle.com/

Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/critical-misunderstandings-on-the-precipice/1770638632 

Pandora Music:

https://www.deezer.com/us/album/648696141 

Praise for Halcyon Phase from music critics:

"THINK slim layers of King Crimson and Yes with the added social conscience of early Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull, and you’re part of the way to imagining the sounds of Ottawa-based progressive rock, jazz-tinged duo HALCYON PHASE – comprising singer-songwriter Frank Smith (formerly Sills & Smith w/Jeremy Sills), and producer/multi-instrumentalist Phillip Victor Bova of Bova Sound.

The band’s two albums swing between a variety of genres yet never remain long enough on any to allow the ease of pigeonholing. From 2021’s debut ‘Tendrils’ and the ghostly mysticism of ‘From Straight Lines,’ the Balearic vibe of ‘Time,’ and the Tedeschi Trucks Band/Tom Petty brilliance of ‘AI World,’ 2024’s ‘Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice’ took up the baton and added a soupçon of jazzy mellowness, both titles exhibiting a painstaking attention to detail.." MusicLoveMusic

"...Thirteen impeccably produced songs grace this album. As highlights, I immediately recommend the opening track, "Mean Street." It has a dark quality and, with its complexity, is firmly rooted in prog rock. "AI World," a rock song, though not unusual, captivates with how the lyrics seamlessly integrate with the rhythm. Highlight number two. "Not Enough," with its rhythmic breaks, is highlight number three. Overall, the remaining songs are beautifully structured melodically and lyrically, with a rather relaxed tempo. Even the ballads aren't cheesy, which is quite an achievement – ​​see "The Room Spins Around." The curious listener can discover the rest for themselves. The (guest) musicians and singers are all highly skilled and well-chosen..." The ProgThief

"...Critical Misunderstandings on the Precipice is a shining release that has the potential to stand in line with some of the genre’s favorite classics. It is a beautiful magnum opus featuring timeless music that belongs to the best things I’ve heard over the last years. Calling this album your own is a ‘must’ for fans of very well-done rock music, with a passion for outstanding soundscapes, build on a high level of quality by acting as a carrier for an interesting story. This album is big." 9/10 Prog Sphere

"...The sophomore studio release from the Ottawa duo of singer-songwriter Frank Smith (Sills & Smith) and producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist Phillip Victor Bova (Bova Sound), Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice is an impeccably crafted, deliberately paced work that blends and balances timeless pop-rock songcraft and sonics with timely meditations on contemporary life and love. Fusing the dreamy prog and psychedelia of latter-day Pink Floyd with the emotional gravitas of Leonard Cohen and the heartfelt melodicism of Neil Diamond — in addition to touches of jazz, folk, Celtic and more — these immaculate collaborations soothe and seduce you with their slow-burn grooves and lush instrumental layers...:

The result: A subtle, subliminal setting that perfectly complements Smith’s darkly compelling vocals and pointed, penetrating words..." Darryl Sterdan, The Tinnitist

"...In summary… you are not going hear anything in the way of epic length, oddly metered mellotron extravaganzas, on the contrary, Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice offers fourteen, succinct heartfelt songs, delivered with warmth and passion. An ideal late night listening experience." Bob Mulvey, The Progressive Aspect

"...Overall, Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice is an album that truly deserves your attention. Frank Smith’s powerful lyrics, paired with captivating musical arrangements, weave a narrative that speaks to the essence of the human experience. Each song pulls you in, making this a journey well worth taking..." Canadian Beats

"Ottawa's Halcyon Phase have returned with Critical Misunderstandings on the Precipice, the presciently titled follow-up to their 2021 debut Tendrils.

Produced and recorded at Bova Sound in Ottawa by member Phillip Victor Bova, Critical Misunderstandings… addresses "the state of the world, human relationships, actions and inaction, at a particularly perilous moment in our history."

"Love songs, break-up songs, songs that speak to social injustice, climate change, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and struggles with mental illness and addiction — Critical Misunderstandings… speaks to our times with a sense of momentous urgency.

Lead single "AI World," about a craving for a life powered by real flesh, blood and emotion, comes attached to a video created by Robin Youlton..."  Exclaim!

“…Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice is a beautiful rock album, full of great songs and lyrics. It is an original album that differs from their previous album, and it shows growth for the band. The production of the album is top notch and overall, Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice is an album that Halcyon Phase should be very proud of. They have created something very original and different for 2024…” 8/10 Aaron Badgley, Spill Magazine

"Halcyon Phase’s second studio album, Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice, is an intricate tapestry of thematic richness and melodic diversity. At its heart lies the striking track “AI World,” a potent exploration of technology’s growing hold on human life. Frank Smith’s lyrical narrative, infused with urgency and poignancy, meets Phillip Victor Bova’s meticulously layered production. Electric guitars and Wurlitzer keys drive the track with an indie rock-meets-progressive-folk sensibility, while Kellylee Evans’ harmonies add depth and a haunting allure. The accompanying music video, directed by Robin Youlton, is a visual poem that echoes the song’s contemplation of AI's dual role as both aid and adversary. With a pulse that feels timeless yet timely, AI World encapsulates Halcyon Phase’s skill at merging reflective storytelling with a dynamic soundscape." ADSR Collective 

“Halcyon Phase is an Ottawa-based duo comprising seasoned veterans Frank Smith (Sills & Smith) and noted producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist Phillip Victor Bova. A musically progressive sophomore album, Critical Misunderstandings On The Precipice, came out recently and is deservedly notching some rave reviews. Here's one of the cuts, featuring a guest turn by Juno-winning vocalist Kellylee Evans.…” Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada

"Nearly four years after Canadian singer-songwriter Frank Smith (of Sills & Smith fame) and multi-instrumentalist/co-writer/producer Phillip Victor Bova released the haunting and simmering Tendrils under the name Halcyon Phase comes another stirring record. On the curiously titled Critical Misunderstandings On the Precipice, the Canadian duo is backed by a pair of session musicians and a rotating cast of female vocalists that bring added tenderness and color to several songs.

Musically, this 14-track set flirts with pastoral prog, psychedelic folk and indie pop -- anchored by Smith’s lived-in, vulnerable vocals that often sound like I imagine Warren Zevon might sound today were he still with us. “The Pledge” serves up some twangy electric guitar, “We Feel” conjures late-night jazz piano and “Our Love Was in Danger” flirts with old-school soul while also managing to be one of the most rocking tunes on the record.

Lyrically, much like its predecessor, Critical Misunderstandings On the Precipice teeters on the edge of deep topics like social injustice, climate change, mental illness and addiction. As the liner notes admit, “a thread lamenting the rapid passage of time and aging runs through it.” Indeed, this is a record that demands your attention, your tolerance, your very humanity -- and it arrives at a time when those virtues feel more vital to survival than ever." 4/5 Michael Popke, Sea of Tranquility

"Today I am excited to share a review of the dynamic and fantastic album, "Critical Understandings On The Precipice" by Halcyon Phase! Thanks to Frank of Halcyon Phase for sending me this album!" Logan Sounds Off

"..."Time" swells with amazing harmonies, taking its calm energy and revelling in its beauty. Meanwhile the collage of arrangements on "An Awful Refrain" blends so many of the strings, voices and hefty emotional notes of the record into this dazzling piece of music..." Owen Maxwell, Ottawa Life Magazine.

"Tendrils is the debut album from Halcyon Phase, a duo consisting of Frank Smith (Sills & Smith) and multi-instrumentalist  Phillip Victor Bova (of Bova sound, and known for his engineering and production work). The two have created an exceptional album that combines rock/psychedelia and Canadiana. It is full of interesting songs, lyrics and intricate melodies..." Aaron Badgley, Spill Magazine.

"This album is in a similar vein to Sills & Smith, taking a folk feel as its basis, expanding this with varied instrumentation to provide a rounded and interesting listening experience, wrapped up in Bova’s immaculate production. It’s all about the songs, concerning the human condition and the state of the world in which we find ourselves, with a particular fondness for the healing qualities of the natural world, and the Canadian environment in particular..." Jez Rowden, The Progressive Aspect.

"...Bova provides much-needed musical healing to ease the burden. He brought together a grand group of players working remotely through the pandemic, adding statements of empathy and beauty to the songs. There are bold rock moments, and some heavy sounds, but more often it's rich and melodic ensemble playing, with tasteful guitar lines and some rich keyboards. Best addition of all is harmony singer Rebecca Campbell, a great counter to Smith's leads. The final effect is to counter the downs of the woes and reality in the lyrics with strength and a certain hopefulness from the music..."  Bob Mersereau, Top 100 Canadian Albums.

"...Bova has referred to Halcyon Phase’s sound as “a cool bit of indie baroque folk/rock psychedelia.” But I also hear echoes of Warren Zevon (thanks to Smith’s distinct, deep and weary voice), Dire Straits (guitarist John Fraser Findlay channels Mark Knopfler on “Death On a Platter”) and even the Alan Parsons Project (just listen to the mellow “Time” -- and, no, it’s not a cover from The Turn of a Friendly Card). Smith goes so far as to reference Zevon in the lyrics to the album’s most Zevon-ish track, “More Than Life Itself”: Alcohol/Cocaine speedballs/In the centre/Of the shopping mall/Find a new religion/Listen to Warren Zevon...” Michael Popke, Sea of Tranquility.

"...This is the scene that opens "Emergency", the first-ever music video from Halcyon Phase, a new rock duo from Ottawa. "Emergency" is the kick-off track on its debut record, Tendrils. As with "Emergency" and its accompanying video, the full-length album takes us into a dark and brooding (at some points post-apocalyptic) world..." Breanne Doyle, The Georgia Straight

“...Though the songs were written prior to COVID-19, "Emergency" definitely carries more weight in this context. Smith's smoky vocals convey the urgency of a dire social situation atop a rich soundscape of muscular pop-rock and swelling orchestral flourishes...” Megan LaPierre, Exclaim!

"HALCYON PHASE take us on a magical mystery ride through shades of progressive alternative rock on Tendrils..." Thomas Hilton, Aldora Britain Records e-zine, #61, November, 2021.

“…Sparse and lethargic drums, barely-there bass, and a lullaby vocal delivery spin the uber relaxing “Time” into a meditative offering from Halcyon Phase. Tiptoeing keys and a coy, lighting background voice flow like molasses in this borderline avant-garde folk/jazz single….” Mathew Kahansky, A Journal of Musical Things.

"Ottawa's Halcyon Phase has a surreal animated video out to accompany "Time," a moody folk-rocker from the baroque indie duo's 2021 debut LP Tendrils. The piece again pairs the group with Okanagan filmmaker Jesse Stasiuk, who previously treated their "Emergency" single to an acclaimed visual treatment." Adam White, Some Party.

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