Phillinois, real name Phil Gerigscott, is a Portland, USA-based folktronica artist who first featured on our blog through his delectable 2021 album Blue Haze. Since then, he’s fallen off radar, but now he’s making a triumphant return thanks to his latest album Cool Breath.
By Graeme Smith
With Cool Breath, Phil is attempting to combine catchiness with thought-provoking elements. This kind of dichotomy is evident in much of his music, which combines pain and hope. Due to Lyme disease, Phil lost his ability to play the guitar, which pushed him towards a more electronic sound and the experimental joy we now hear from him.
Each track gives us a new and surprising story. The album opens with the distorted vocals and driving rhythm of Teeth. Its lyrics are whimsical and relatable, speaking of the physical condition and the absurdity of vanity which eases us into the world of Cool Breath. It’s a strong start.
Dolores is a slow and melancholic love song while Funeral is a contemplative and textured waltz. Seeing Double gets funky, giving us ’80s pop influences and psychedelic imagery in the lyrics. Mess keeps things vibrant and upbeat, with twinkling electronica that hides anxiety-ridden lyrics. Kandinsky is a slow and airy number at the album’s mid-point.
Glitch in the Matrix opens the album final half with experimental electronica and lyrics that create art from the mundane. Artifacts then combines digital and acoustic instrumentals to great effect and Myringa gives us moody, visceral power pop. Sacred Night brings with it distorted, disorientating indie pop before Lone Fir closes the album with a slow, meditative dirge that has a breath-taking change of pace at its climax.
If I needed a reminder of what a special artist Phillinois is, then Cool Breath would be it. However, Blue Haze was an album that really stuck with me, and Phillinois remains one of my favourite discoveries through this blog. Cool Breath is a collection of tracks that celebrate everyday life in a way I’ve never heard before, and Phil’s ability to mix light and shade is second to none.
Cool Breath was produced, recorded and mixed by Phil. You can give it a listen below.
