On the way to the big party, the lads decided to have a few drinks and wow, were they ready for the big gig once they finally reached the venue. This somehow feels like a good analogy when an artist drip-feeds us a few singles ahead of the release of their album. Why not – music is the elixir of life and there’s certainly enough of it out there to go around for everybody. Today we present you the fresh single from singer-songwriter E.G. Phillips. ‘Boil The Ocean’ is a Nick Cave / Tom Waits-esque offering from his new ‘Outlaw The Dead’ EP, which will be released on November 2 via Ducks With Pants Records.
This EP was recorded in Studio C of Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco (AKAWally’s HydeOut) at the former Wally Heider Studios — the same space where such legendary artists as Herbie Hancock, Santana, Grateful Dead, Green Day and Dead Kennedys recorded some of their most legendary releases. Produced by Chris McGrew, this music was mixed with the assistance of Billboard-charting producer Jaimeson Durr (Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Hope Sandoval).
“This song has gone through so many rewrites and rejiggerings over the years, it’s a bit of a ship of Theseus — which is entirely appropriate given the nature of the song. It’s inspiration comes from those corporate phrases you hear ad naseum if you’ve ever been part of that word — you know, “eat our own dogfood”, “circle back”, “take it offline”, “open the kimono” etc., This song takes one such phrase and takes it to its logical and horrifying conclusion, depicting the circumstances under which one would in fact feel the need to actually boil the ocean,” explains E.G. Phillips.
“The recording features Paul Eastburn on bass who also played on my album ‘Alien from an Alternate Earth’ — here his bowing on the upright provides some undulating texture, like a dark undercurrent — an undertow that could pull you down below the surface.”
This follows the sultry jazz offering ‘I Am The One Who Ghosts’ featuring Spanish artist Mar Vilaseca on vocals, the lead track ‘It Ain’t Good to Be in Love With You’, a jazzy affair that showcases his confessional songwriting, and the single ‘A Bridge Too Far (MacArthur Station)’ featuring Grace Renaud on vocals.
Hailing from Chicago, Phillips ultimately found greener grass in the Bay Area. His musical journeys grew more adventurous since relocating at the turn of the century, especially since venturing out on the open mic scene in San Francisco — finding a musical home of sorts at Bazaar Cafe.
With the steadfast backing of his band Ducks With Pants, Phillips blends lyric-driven compositions with his own special blend of whimsy and cinematic imagery, offering a wry take in dealing with the longings of the heart and the madness of existence.
The music offered on the ‘Outlaw The Dead’ EP was born of that alchemy that develops between veteran musicians who have performed together many times and have created many records together, as is the case with Kevin Seal, Chris McGrew, and Christopher Fortier — who have been playing together in various bands since the mid 90s, including progressive punk band Griddle and psych rock outfit Seal Party.
As of October 4, ‘Boil The Ocean’ is available across fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where Phillips’ back catalogue can also be explored. The full EP is out on November 2 with Phillips playing his release show that night at The Utah Saloon in San Francisco.
TRACK LIST
1. Outlaw the Dead
2. Boil the Ocean
3. A Bridge Too Far (MacArthur Station)
4. It Ain’t Good To Be In Love With You
5. (I Can Pay You In) Bottles of Wine
6. I Am The One Who Ghosts
CREDITS
E.G. Phillips — vocals
Christopher Fortier — guitars
Kevin Seal — keys
Paul Eastburn — upright bass
Chris McGrew — percussion
Recorded at Wally’s HydeOut in Hyde Street Studio C, San Francisco
Recorded by Gary Hobish
Produced by Chris McGrew
Mixed by Chris McGrew and Jaimeson Durr
Mastered by Gary Hobish, A. Hammer Mastering
Artwork by Mario M. Noche
All songs written by E.G. Phillips (ASCAP)
© 2023 Ducks With Pants Music
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