Send "Phrase " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Sputnikmusic |
 “Persistence”… “Passion”… “Dream”. These are three words featured in the first half of the chorus to the Bliss N Eso collaboration titled ‘Persistence’, on Phrase’s 2nd album ‘Clockwork’. And what fitting words they are, as they not only point to a main theme of the LP, but also describe the Australian rapper’s path in releasing it. You see, ‘Clockwork’ was for all intents and purposes completed in October of 2007. However, staff changes at his record label put the project on hold and if it wasn’t for the assistance of radio network Triple J, then it may never have seen the light of day. Thank goodness that it has, since it now places Phrase alongside the Hilltop Hoods at the pinnacle of Australian hip-hop. If persistence is the primary theme of the album, then the secondary one revolves around the title itself. With little money, no job and few qualifications, Phrase – real name Harley Webster – soon became depressed and reality struck that he could be in a despised 9-5 job sooner rather than later. It is that theme of a monotonous life which dominates the fantastic and relatable lead single and title track, that bravely communicates its purpose through the use of a sample of the 1950s Ray Conniff version of Academy Award winning song ‘Windmills of your Mind’. In fact, the quality of the beginning to ‘Clockwork’ is so high that the opening five tracks could all legitimately stake a claim to be released as singles. Pseudo-opener ‘Burn It Down’ is sure to be a live favorite with its sing-along factor, while ‘Spaceship’ sees Phrase have no trouble whatsoever with quickening the pace. The great thing here is that Phrase is just as adept whether the individual cut has an up-tempo and dancier vibe (such as on ‘Surrender’, ‘Paradise’ and ‘Skylight’ which features Spiderbait’s Kram), or a slower and emotional touch (such as ‘All Good’ and ‘Day You Went Away’ which riskily features Wendy Matthews replaying her chorus from the well-known 1992 hit). Guest vocals are clearly an integral – but not dominating - component of ‘Clockwork’, whether they are little known artists such as Max White, Jade McRae & Axle Whitehead contributing backing vocals to choruses, or Kram, Matthews, Jackson Jackson, Illy & Bliss N Eso being heavily featured. However, the M.V.P of the bunch surely deserves to be expat Aussie Daniel Merriweather, who provides a sublimely soulful chorus to the moving and emotional ‘Chains’. All the right notes are hit on this personal memorial to a deceased friend, including a sweeping orchestral arrangement....full text |
| Thevine |
| Several years in the making, Phrase’s second album almost didn’t see the light of day. The Melbourne MC completed Clockwork in late 2007, only to see reshuffles at his label send it into development hell. Thankfully a healthy dose of chutzpah led him to send through a few cuts to Richard Kingsmill at Triple J, who heard enough potential to get them playing regularly. Naturally - with the sleep brushed from their eyes - the label released the album soon after. Clockwork ain’t your average Oz hip hop album. For a start, not many MCs would get in the likes of Kram (Spiderbait), Jackson Jackson and... ahem, Wendy Matthews, as guests. That’s not to say you don’t get stock-standard hip hop at points, but it’s a more diverse grouping of songs; Phrase generally avoids the cliché that dogs most local releases, while producing some impressive wordplay at times. And to his credit, it’s not particularly dated, even though the album was completed around 2 years ago. After the obligatory intro skit (involving his father), ‘Burn It Down’ opens proceedings. It’s all brassy bluster and front, giving Phrase room to throw his flow around to good effect. Then we’re given title track ‘Clockwork’, which impressed Kingsmill enough to enjoy high rotation. This is mainly down to the sample – the impressive 60’s-tinged ‘Windmills Of Your Mind’ by Michel Legrand, which fits perfectly. Someone’s been watching The Thomas Crown Affair....full text |
| Webwombat |
| The talent in Australian Hip Hop has never looked so good, and a significant amount of credit is owed to Phrase, who has demonstrated his worthiness of the praise with the release of his album "Clockwork". The road to releasing this was by no means smooth sailing, however thankfully someone has picked up this collation of treats and mixed it up good and pretty. There are few albums that provide enough motivation for me to take it out of the car CD player and into the house for further and repeated listening; "Clockwork" by this Melbourne boy definitely fits the bill. Seemingly long ago there was a single released that effectively introduced Phrase to the Australian music scenes, which boosted the morale of his already loyal followers from his Aria nominated first album "Talk With Force", this single was Clockwork. With a chorus that includes lines from The Windmills of Your Mind by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Michel Legrand, and a decidedly honest story through lyrics, Clockwork will get to you and hopefully stir the treadmill that you’re running on....full text |
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