Feature | Phraxia

As a writer and musician myself, I find myself often falling back to the question, “What is more important, the music or the lyrics?” After much internal debate over many years, I have come to the conclusion that the music is the most important thing by far.

Let me explain my logic really quickly. Music by definition is the art of expressing emotions without words. When compared with the ability of the power of words to evoke strong, pure emotions, I find music to be far superior in nearly every way. Think for yourself, when was the last time you were moved to tears or filled with happiness? Was it done by music or by words? Both can do so, but I feel that music can do it a lot easier and a lot more universally.

Anyway, with all that said, I was looking forward to listening to Phraxia, as it seemed to me that Nick Pike might also share some of my sentiments in this regard, and I am a big fan of instrumental music generally. Right out the gate, I will say that Phraxia did NOT disappoint. I really enjoyed it. Like any good instrumental album, it takes you on a journey if you let it. For me personally, I also became filled with nostalgia for a dozen video games I adored as a young pup while listening through.

I could list a bunch of the classic and great videos games that some of Phraxia’s songs reminded me of, but you probably wouldn’t know what they are and you might judge me as a nerd for mentioning them, so I will just say that the tracks are AAA video game soundtrack level and quality, and this is a tremendous compliment in my humble opinion. You could easily imagine any of them featuring in a big budget fantasy movie or epic RPG adventure.

All the tracks offered me something a little bit different, and I’m looking forward to my next listen through, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d have to say it was the track Phraxia. I can see why Maestro Pike chose this to be the titular track of the album, as I felt it really embodied the tone of the entire album and encapsulates the artist’s talents as a musician perfectly.

I wasn’t aware of Nike Pike before listening to Phraxia, but now I am happy to say that I am a fan and will recommend him to anyone who asks if I’ve listened to any good music lately. Phraxia has been added to my playlist for some late-night relaxation and early morning calm on my way to work. I will also go back and listen to Pike’s earlier work.