Phideaux Xavier- Automoto Animus - Progressive Voyages Review

Until recently I was aware of his name, t had never listened to any of his music, I also wrongly thought that he came from Poland where in fact he was born in New York state in America although he has since relocated to Los Angeles as he creates music for use in the world of television.

This new album changes the misconception and also bring me to his music fresh and without any preconceived ideas, This means i write from how this affects me now, this i feel is fairer to his album, Hm and his music.

The album Automoton Animus is realesed on the 6th July 2026, it consists of 2 sides, side A has five tracks each under 5 minutes in duration whereas side B has just 3 tracks 2 short and a lenghier track of over 14 minutes

The whole album lasts for 42 minutes and 15 seconds in total.

Apparently this album stands apart from his earlier works in that it is not part of anything else or body of work, So it doesn't hark back to his dystopic ecological album trilogy The Great Leap for instance..

Also there is no overarching theme, instead this is a collection of loosely associated tracks that looks at the absurdities of modern day life, in its various forms.

So let's dive right on in and see what this is all about OK?

The album begins with Do What U Will which is very much in a new wave or Ultravox style of sound, with a good crunchy guitar riff, I do like how this sounds it has good dynamics to the sound and the production is both warm and clear here. There us a recurring piano riff and a good synth strings in the background, which all taken together made for a very satisfying opening track.

Hey Humanity is next which opens with the line Hey Humanity and continues to say Hey Realiity , Got that we are here despite the leak, interesting track. It certainly has a feel,of an ELO or Beatles song to it and that is no bad thing to my mind , Phidaeux uses good production values to craft a memorable song with some strong playing and excellent vocals.

The next track is Driving To Distraction which is underpinned by a good piano line and some strong guitar fills,This has a strong upfront bass line, with lots of guitar fills Strangely enough it has a bounce and a pace that reminds me of The Scissor Siisters believe it not. I actually really like this track a lot, it also has a great production and a strong sense of ELO again, I don't have a clue what its all about but it sounds fantastic. I've now got hold of the lyrics and I think it is a kind of protest song about the way the world is headed and orchestrated by various powers, I get from this that Phidaeux is not happy about being on this road that leads to destruction.

Stay With Me is next this us a slower paced ballad with a great vocal delivery from Phidaeuxcand some fine guitar lines, The chorus of Stay With Me Till The End Of Time is suitably epic and commanding as well it is a very short track though.

Charlie Knew follows again we have a great orchestration to the song,, a strong piano line leads the song, you can hear The brass and fine guitar lines woven throughout the song.

Enigmatic Terminus is next and this is a follow on to Driving To Destruction as indeed that line is repeated throughout song, it used strong words to describe the folly that is being perpetuated here.A fairly bleak but interesting track.

Legend Of Mary Jo is the albums longest track, this is a tale of a prophetess, who prophesies how things will end, in this we hear about how the warrior Amy will arrive ona white stallion, who will lead humanity to safety in the year 2062.There is a lot happening within this track withn ome great guitar lines and synthesiser brassxnand horns sections at the 12.00 markncwe have a very strongbupfront bass very much in the style of Chris Squire of Yes , before it all calms down again for a slowersection that leads towards the close of the track.This track has elements of everything again there is a mention of Driving and of The Road again.

I have to say that I've struggled in trying to understand the music and the narrative clearly. However I have throughly enjoyed this albumnespecially The Legend Of Mary zoo and Dr8ving Ton Destruction.

I like howv the album sounds and is mixed.I also really liked the backingbvocals and vocal effects A most intriguing album one that warrants investigation for sure, good luck in understanding what it is about though.

Info here: Phidaeux Xavier- automoto Animus- July 6, 2026/ProgRock.com essentials…

Author John Wenlock-Smith Monday 15th June 2026.

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