Phèdre
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Empty lobster shells, fly-covered hamburgers, and half-naked bodies being covered in a syrupy substance—just some of the images you’ll see in the sticky and decidedly NSFW music video for “In Decay” from Toronto’s Phèdre. The trio—Doldrums’ Airick Woodhead with April Aliermo and Daniel Lee from Hooded Fang—was conceived over a few wine-filled days in an attic. Drawing from Greek mythology, the group’s name comes from the story of Phèdre (or Phaedra), a queen whose infidelity to her husband results in another character’s suicide.
On trio’s self-titled debut album, the group members take lo-fi pop, synths that sound like laser guns, the occasional rap verse, and droning male-female vocals and throw it all in a blender. In the band’s own words, “It combines aspects of everything we’ve ever worked on be it sounds, visual art, lyfe-provoking [sic] ideas of lust and disgust, or a fuck you to all seriousness and regulations.” Phèdre chose to première the album on the American music website Gorilla Vs. Bear, and media buzz followed in far-flung, not-Toronto places like France, Sweden, Mexico, and Japan.
Phèdre plays The Great Hall this Friday, as part of a showcase for Daps Records, the D.I.Y. label recently started by Aliermo, Lee, and manager Ian Chai. “As a rule, we work with peeps who share the love we exude,” writes the band, collectively, in an e-mail note. “Daps is a forum to promote our friends’ music, with a community-based, grassroots yet business-oriented mentality.”
The A.V. Club asked the trio to pick some songs that they’ve been listening to lately, and they willingly agreed. Not surprisingly, the playlist they sent us is as eclectic as the group’s own music, ranging from a song by one of the most influential American composers to Top 40 pop to New York City gangsta rap.
The Ramones, “I Don’t Want To Go Down To The Basement”
Phedre: This is a song about not going down to the basement.
Steve Reich, Train Sessions
P: This is a great record about trains.
Bob Marley, “One Love”
P: His birthday is coming up, I think. [Marley’s birthday is actually on Feb. 6, but close enough. —ed.]
The Grateful Dead, “Casey Jones”
P: Another train song.
Chris Brown feat. Benny Benassi, “Beautiful People”
P: We listen to this while we’re swimming.
Rihanna, “You Da One”
P: This one has a good message lyrically.
Prodigy, “Mac 10 Handle”
P: Favourite song and video of 2024.
