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Phideaux — Auto Moto Animus
(Bandcamp no#, 2026, CD / LP / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2026-09-14

Auto Moto Animus Cover art

Who exactly is Phideaux Xavier? Longtime followers of progressive rock will recognize him simply as Phideaux, one of the most consistently creative artists in modern American prog. While earlier releases often favored sprawling symphonic and conceptual ambitions, AutoMoto Animus takes a somewhat different path. Presented as a fable, the album arrives with lyrics and credits printed in a stylized microscopic font that proves nearly impossible to read without optical assistance. Unfortunately, this makes following the story a challenge, forcing the listener to focus primarily on the music itself. Across eight tracks and 43 minutes, Phideaux embraces an unexpected blend of progressive rock, art rock, and 80s New Wave. Opening cut "Do What U Will" immediately recalls the synth-driven accessibility of Gary Numan or Thomas Dolby. "Hey Humanity" follows with an engaging pop ballad highlighted by layered guitars and a cinematic middle section, while "Driving to Destruction" delivers infectious hooks, call-and-response vocals, and a strong rhythmic drive. "Stay with Me" and "Charlie Knew" continue along similar lines, the latter suggesting a touch of David Bowie's dance-oriented period. The album's strongest material arrives in its second half. "Siren in the Storm" introduces a darker, more progressive character and stands among the album's highlights. "Enigmatic Terminus" builds on that momentum with impressive arrangements and a welcome increase in complexity. The 14-minute closer "Legend of Mary-Jo" successfully combines the album's art-rock and progressive tendencies into a satisfying finale. The storyline remains somewhat elusive, especially given references to Amy and the year 2062, but the musical journey is compelling nonetheless. Whether AutoMoto Animus fully succeeds as the "fable" it aspires to be is difficult to determine given the presentation. As a collection of intelligent art rock songs infused with progressive touches, however, it proves both engaging and surprisingly accessible. For listeners expecting another large-scale symphonic Phideaux opus, the stylistic shift may come as a surprise. For everyone else, AutoMoto Animus is simply a fun and rewarding listen.

Filed under: New releases, 2026 releases

Related artist(s): Phideaux

More info
http://phideaux.bandcamp.com/album/automoto-animus

 

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