Spotlight: The Phoenix Within Releases “Overdue”
You have seen them on OnlyBands, and now you are hearing them on our blog. It is especially important to check them out. Today’s spotlight goes to one of the kindest bands we have met, and a band that is clearly in the up-and-coming range. This is a group of friends (and brothers) who not only have big plans in the industry, but are doing it the right way.
The Phoenix Within
This rock band is based out of Queens, New York, which officially makes them one of the biggest bands in their local music scene. Formed in 2013 by Omar Feliciano (singer-songwriter), Nick Narlis (bass), John Narlis (guitar), and James Narlis (drums), they truly have become a real family both inside and outside of their music. Their extensive discography proves their dedication to their fans and project, by showcasing a variety of different musical elements and lyrical topics. You’ll notice that the band never does the same thing twice in their music, as they are constantly learning and growing within their craft. Lyrically, they talk about a vast series of situations, ranging from autobiographical origins and self-evaluation, to advising younger artists to embrace their own originality and authenticity in their own work, and even topics of love and general emotions from the heart. With an average of 1,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, the band has become well-known by playing shows, constantly releasing music, and being genuinely good people. You can get to know Omar on a more personal note by checking our OnlyBands podcast.
“Overdue”
While it is always Overdue for new music, this album is the most. Not in a bad way, but in the most exciting and powerful pieces that The Phoenix Within has released.
The album starts with Copycat that takes a mix between The Killers and Queen type of vibe in the song. A more acoustic vibe in the beginning of the song which was a bold first move for the band in the changing of introductions to albums. This song in particular not only lives up to the title in the message, but motivates the listener to be original and themselves. Both inside and outside of music.
South Ozone Park takes the album on a fast twist with heavier guitars, and more motivational lyrics. The instrumentals might remind you of Jimmy Eat World mixing with Avril Lavigne. There is a few second break before the music picks up hard in South Ozone Park which is a The Phoenix Within signature. Daddy Issues takes on a faster, slightly acoustic mindset that I could easily see being played on at a hotel on a beach, The chorus takes on the heaviest part of the song with heavier guitars and more powerful vocals. The song’s message is most definitely about “Daddy issues”.
Hypothetical starts similar to the earlier songs with lighter guitars in the beginning and building up to the chorus. This song is different from the prior as it features a rhythmic guitar instrumental on top of the lead guitar in between the chorus and second verse. Despite the similarities in structure, the song is quite different and would give you Foo Fighters meets Weezer vibes.Tenfold takes you on a faster ride compared to the slower few songs just before it. This song in particular has a fast start, that will let you know how important it is to be the bigger and more kind person while maintaining your boundaries in tough situations. This song is best for leaving a toxic breakup, whether that is from work, friendship or or long-term relationship.
No Big Deal is an interesting song that The Phoenix Within decided to place on the album, as it has quite a different take from the rest of the album- both instrumentally and lyrically. This song might take you back to The Killers meet Taking Back Sunday, while lyrically, the song is darker and leaning more to the emo-rock side. This is an important song of the album. While most of the album talks about leaving relationships, the importance of knowing yourself, your work, and your boundaries, this song talks about leaving grudges at the door and the importance of moving forward. The importance of learning how to let different things go, is such a hard skill and this song is a great motivator in learning how to do that.
Volunteer may well be one of the slowest songs on the album and one of the most positive love songs that is on Overdue. With a wedding-like vibe, the song is a sweet and romantic take on how to love someone. Omar states commitments to his future lover in this song. Awareness is more of a mental-health take of the album. This song would be best used in reminding others or yourself about the simple fact that you are not alone. That there is always someone out there who not only cares, but can also relate and provide support. If you’ve ever felt alone, not enough, depressed, or suicidal, this is the song for you.
Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is having serious thoughts of suicide, self-harm or other self-injury, please check out this list of hotlines that we created and are available in the USA. If you are outside the USA, please use our Contact Form to learn about your country’s suicide prevention hotline.
Certain talks about the importance of being in the present moment and remembering of what is and is not in our control. Another mental health song, yet different in both the instrumental and vocals of how the song is played. This song will make you want to spend every moment with those that you love and care for. Certain reminds us all that not everything is our fault and we can only take the blame for what we have control over.
Lacking, Remake, and Pessimist are the last three tracks of the album and also previously released. The trio and final three provide a motivational and powerful ending to the album as it takes on a heavier, and original vibe. Overdue ends with The Phoenix Within being authentic and true to both themselves and their fans by adding more opportunities for fans to become obsessed with their prior work.
Overall
It is now clear that The Phoenix Within has once again stayed true to themselves and their fans, while exploring a variety of new ways to create rock music. The Queens rock project is building up not only a fan base, but a self-aware, and self-confident fan base while applying their music to themselves, They have once again created an album that sparks both insight, and creativity within their music. Their discography shows that they are not standing still and will continue to release music for as long as they live.
Written by: Blake Matthews (he/him)
