Phytö, a blues-rock outfit making waves with their modern spin on '80s and '90s hard rock, have recently dropped their latest two-track release, and it’s a welcome introduction. The London-based band, who draw inspiration from legends like Guns N' Roses and modern post-hardcore acts, deliver a cohesive and compelling narrative across both songs, exploring the lingering regret of the past.
Titled ‘For Sweet. (Scabiosa)’, the double single release is a bristling debut by any standard. Opening with ‘Weird Day’, the band dive headfirst into the chaotic aftermath of regret, lashing out with a few tempered cymbal strikes and a searing guitar line that blossoms into a full-bodied release. The song takes hold with a somewhat distant sound, with the vocals sitting a little further back in the mix, as if heard through a hazy fog of emotion. Yet, they cut through with a muffled grit that adds to the song’s intensity, colliding with bold guitar riffs and a relentless rhythm section.
The titular ‘For Sweet.’ meanwhile is a sprawling rock ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s a track that leans into the band's nostalgic vibe, with a melody that feels both familiar and fresh. Phytö craft a visceral soundscape that feel both epic and intimate, with the track's harmonic feel underscored by a raucous rock sound. It’s a brilliant counterpoint that prevents the song from ever becoming saccharine. It’s a track that carries the bittersweet ache of an unreachable memory, keeping to the emotive nature of the release.
Phytö describes their sound as reinterpreting the energy of '80s–'90s hard rock with a modern touch, and this two-track release captures that ethos well. ‘For Sweet.’ and ‘Weird Day’ are two sides of the same coin, each exploring a different facet of the same emotional turmoil. The band's ability to seamlessly blend heartfelt melodies with powerful rock anthems is what makes them so exciting.
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