- advertisement -

DOCTOR PHEABES
Army Of The Sun
2019 Independent Release

DOCTOR PHEABES is a hard rock band based in São Paulo, Brazil, that recently released their third album (and their first international release), Army Of The Sun. If you’ve never heard of the band, you should know they have shared the stage with names like GUNS N’ ROSES, BLACK SABBATH and even THE ROLLING STONES. They have performed at festivals such as Monsters Of Rock in 2015, Lollapalooza in 2015 and 2017, and Rock In Rio in 2017. The band consists of Eduardo Parrillo (vocals), Fernando Parrillo (guitar), Fabio Ressio (bass) and Paulo Ressio (drums) Their songs take influence from the golden era of hard rock (the ‘80s), mixed with some 90’s, a dash of modern rock, and even a smattering of Southern rock.

This is an album of classy, powerful rock anthems. The first example is the title track, “Army Of The Sun”, which sets the mood for this album immediately. This is a stomping track, with a strong vocal from Eduardo, a powerful riff from Fernando, and pulsing bass and drums from Fabio and Paulo. Wow, what a strong start to the album, and it just gets better from there. First single “Better Off Alone” is a relationship-based blast of raw nerves. The band considers this to be the most iconic song on the album, and it’s definitely a strong tune. The songs begin to get a little catchier as you move through the album, and “Rebel Riders” is as catchy a song as I’ve heard in a long time. The song features a powerful kick drum, and the main guitar riff is nice and high in the mix. Fabio’s bass is the backbone of the song, while the harmonies are on point. You can view the performance video for the song on KNAC.COM HERE.

“Your Love Is Mine” is a raucous, energetic song, and could be a radio staple here in America, while (not quite a ballad) “Here To Stay” is a bona fide hard rock radio hit and should be released immediately in my opinion! These songs are incredibly strong, but the second half of the album truly won me over. “Infectious” doesn’t do these songs justice– take a listen to “Ask Of You”, a song I found myself singing along with a lot. The commercial angle is not to be denied, nor decried, as the appeal is enormous. “Find A Way” is one of my favorite songs on the album, featuring a plethora of power chords and brilliant vocals from Eduardo. I’m going to let the lyrical similarities (in the chorus) to THIN LIZZY’s “The Boys Are Back In Town” slide on “Back In Town” because this song is absolutely magical in my opinion. “Stranded In Love” is another catchy, powerful, sing-along rocker. Another favorite song for sure, the song is too cool for its own good. “Let’s Go” has some punkish energy to it; this song is a killer up-tempo come-on. The album ends with the introspective acoustic ballad “Live Forever”.

There are a total of 11 songs on Army Of The Sun, clocking in at around 41 minutes. These songs are all in the three to four minute range; they don’t overstay their welcome at all. Words I would use to describe this album would be: authentic, catchy, upbeat and surprising, because I was pleasantly surprised by this album. There’s a lot to like here. DOCTOR PHEABES is a positive, hard rocking band doing things themselves, and Army Of The Sun is a lot of fun to listen to.

4.5 Out Of 5.0