Phideaux Xavier – AutoMoto Animus

AutoMoto Animus is an upcoming studio album by American progressive rock multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, Phideaux Xavier. He has released several progressive & psychedelic-inspired albums since 2003. His latest opus, Automoto Animus was originally supposed to release last fall (2025), but it was being delayed because of his dayjob (General Hospital) keeping him too busy, and needing a producer to finish up. On July 6th, Bloodfish Media will finally release his first full-length release since the highly-acclaimed 2018’s Infernal.

The new album features a vast array of guest musicians including; Joe Berardi, Fernando Perdomo, Ariel Farber, Kira Roessler, and Vince Meghrouni. Drawing influences from the likes of Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Genesis, AutoMoto Animus continues his signature blend of symphonic, psychedelic, and art-rock. The album features intricate and sweeping arrangements, where it efficiently and successfully balances the profound with the absurd. AutoMoto Animus, and its all eight lengthy tracks, introduces rich, mid-tempo folk and rock elements layered with the artist’s trademark vocals.

The music is thought-provoking and sonically seductive, providing an extension of his previous symphonic sound on Infernal, rather than a radical departure from it. Thus, the release balances complex, multi-layered instrumentation with beautifully accessible melodies. The sound is fresh and crisp, the album is chock-full of interesting ideas reflecting an innovative approach to the songwriting and often very complex arrangements. Lyrically, AutoMoto Animus finds Phideaux still keenly observing the world around him, a collection of mysterious, thought-provoking, nostalgic, personal and emotive lyrics.

AutoMoto Animus opens with “Do What U Will,” which includes the sounds of Phideaux leading a small choir, a song full of a stomping good rock beats and melody, which sets the album off in the right direction. “Hey Humanity” is a pretty unconventional and non traditional song which almost sounds like a conversation between Phideaux and the world. “Driving To Destruction,” opens with grinding electric guitars, drums and choirs, and the very enjoyable vocals of Mr. Phideaux that almost sounds like wails and cries. On the opposite side of the musical spectrum we find “Stay With Me”, which is one of Phideaux’s best vocal performances on the album – featuring some powerful, clean, genuine and heartfelt vocals. “Charlie Knew” closes the Side A of the record, a pretty sad and melancholic song, carried out by some superb piano and symphonic elements.

“Siren In the Storm” opens the Side B, and probably one of the best songs on the album! The song builds on Phideaux’s signature melodic storytelling, soft acoustic guitars, carrying a cinematic, progressive-rock arrangement to fit the album’s sweeping, contemplative nature. “Enigmatic Terminus” opens with beautiful violin and strings, before the grinding electric guitars join in. Much like the broader record, it features mysterious, cinematic and sonically seductive elements typical of Phideaux’s storytelling and dense sonic landscapes. “Legend of Mary Jo” is the powerful and epic (over 14-minute long!) prog symphony that serves as album’ closer. It’s another sad and emotional song, based on the real-life story of Mary Jo Buttafuocco, the victim of gun violence in 1992.

The cover art for AutoMoto Animus was created by Linda Ruttan-Moldawsky, while all graphic design was created by Molly Rutta. The album was recorded at ‘Kitten Robot studios‘, Los Angeles between, 2021-2025. The music was mixed by discovered by Phideaux Xavier.

AutoMoto Animus sounds pretty psychedelic at times, evokes a variety of emotions. It has nothing to do with traditional metal, but this music still has a unique magic that doesn’t come around very often. From the sublime to the absurd, from the poignant to the ironically hilarious, AutoMoto Animus will keep you listening closely and tapping your toes.

Before jumping on an AutoMoto Animus, I suggest you to explore Phideaux’s earlier concept trilogies, Doomsday Afternoon and Infernal, as all these albums are very highly recommended for those who love the subtle, folkier, psychadelic side of prog rock with an emphasis on melodic songwriting. For the most up-to-date availability and ordering information, check the artist’s bandcamp or the label’s page to secure physical copies.