PHIL CELIA
ALBUM REVIEW: THROUGH THE YEARS
Read the full interview with Phil about the new album here:
https://thearkofmusic.com/phil-celia-interview/
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, actor, and performer Phil Celia recently released his latest studio album in August; a short, sweet, seven-track collection entitled Through The Years.
Phil touches base with the old-school, his vintage-style vocal vibratos leading listeners into visions of the 20th-century greats; of happy-go-lucky porch sitters jamming acoustic classics to the setting sun, of elderly men recounting life stories, regrets, and hopes for better days to come. Impeccable country atmospheres swerve between cowshed chaos, heartache and bliss, as Phil taps into feelings equally feral, blessed and forward-looking, promising an apt mood for any moment you might face.
Yet, for all his flashback soundscapes, Phil Celia still spares time to stun and startle. Just check out the Gary Numan-esque synth solo on the tear-jerker, “Somedays,” or the subtle sway into indie pop during “Restless.” This is an artist who refuses to shy away from daring choices, actively testing the limits of classic country music without straying into the ridiculous. Between each painful lyrical reminiscence and soul-charging upbeat bop, Phil keeps a true sense of art at the core of his inspiration whilst easily converting country haters into admirers.
Each of Phil Celia’s bittersweet ballads is empowered by pure heart and soul, the understanding of a songwriter who’s cruised the highest waves, crashed to unspoken rock bottoms, and lived to transform his tale into an art form which resonates across the generations. Tying this album together is a spread of rich, reflective themes, from longing for what’s been and gone, to personal revelations, dreams of tranquility, family, love and faith.
Following his incredible 30 years as a recording artist. Through The Years marks the culmination of his decades’ experience on the scene; an album that’s been a lifetime in the making, and one that never could have manifested without the wisdom of age.
As Phil Celia describes in his own words,
“Through The Years is a self-produced song cycle focused on long-term relationships, aging, and ultimately faith. It’s not a record I could have written in my younger years. These songs take time. It’s a short listen, just under 30 minutes, meant to be listened to in its entirety if possible. [I] hope it resonates with all my lifelong friends and fans.”
So throw on your comfies, spark a cigar and lose yourself in thought as Through The Years trails pathways into your deepest self, illuminating and ruminating upon the life lessons we all need to hear, but are too scared to face. The lessons of growing old, letting go of the past and filling your later years with brighter possibilities. Our final verdict? Highly Recommended.
Ark of Music
September 1, 2026
Phil Celia - The PCB Sessions
The PCB Sessions – Released December 2015
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“Electrifying folk defined by a soulful croon, a lively musical background and a genuine spirit that is put on full display via a strong musical talent.”
“Celia stands out from other indie artists in a big way. He’s one of the best Indie songwriters I’ve ever heard in a long, long while.”
Greg Cettina – Skope Magazine
Full Review: http://skopemag.com/2016/01/25/phil-celia-the-pcb-sessions
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“Deeply textured and beautiful written music, layered in tone and color like autumn, and warming the heart with ambience.”
“The PCB Sessions” provoke an internal reaction that is both intellectually and emotionally stimulating. “
Larry Church – Indie Music Reviews
Full Review: http://www.indiemusicreviews.net/phil-celia-the-pcb-sessions-2/
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MUSIC CONNECTION LIVE REVIEW:
THE PHIL CELIA BAND AT ROOM 5 IN LOS ANGELES, CA
“Americana in it’s purest form, Phil Celia defines the genre by weaving his roots, country and folk influences into a sound both contemporary and timeless.”
Grant Stoner – Music Connection Magazine Live Review
Full Review: http://www.musicconnection.com/live-review-phil-celia-band-room-5/
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“All eight songs on “The PCB Sessions” have a whimsical feel that makes the world seem right and an underlying sense of hope that your future looks brighter than your past.”
“As a whole the band plays like a well oiled machine…. The PCB Sessions is a rock solid release that upholds the classic Americana-folk standard.”
“… a wonderful almost acoustic unplugged setting and an earthy musical ambience straight from the heart”.
Richard English – Gashouse Radio
Full Review: http://gashouseradio.com/phil-celia-the-pcb-sessions/
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“Multi-talented singer-songwriter Phil Celia is plowing a row for himself as an independent artist in a field where having a unique and distinctive sound is becoming increasingly uncommon. A talented singer-songwriter his vocals blend naturally with the rich folk instrumentation and the songs are imbued with a classic feel reminiscent of a new yet older retro Folk-Rock sound.”
“All songs on The PCB Sessions are a glory-full return to folk rock singer sad core songwriter with a stuttering rhythm section underpinning some terrific work from all involved”.
Brandon Erickson – Band Blurb
Full Review: http://www.bandblurb.com/phil-celia-the-pcb-sessions/
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“A collection of material you can’t help but fall in love with. The music is comparable to an old fade pair of Blue Jeans”.
“An impressive snapshot that not only touches all the motions, but delivers solid songwriting with a nice slow burning folk/rock feel ..”
“Inspiring in the sense that it will touch your soul, and give you a sense of hope that real good songwriting is not officially pronounced dead yet…. a statement as powerful as the artist himself.”
Tom Dempsey – Music Existence
Full Review: http://musicexistence.com/blog/2016/01/25/phil-celia-the-pbc-sessions/
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“The music itself is uplifting, thought provoking, interesting and heart felt possessing an Alternative Folk core breaking the traditional mold for singer-songwriter style of music.
“ … a unique style fusing Americana rhythms and sounds with short, impassioned stories – a life’s opus if you will…. a powerful combination that puts a guy like Celia on the map for 2016.”
Pete Conklin – All What’s Rock
Full Review: http://allwhatsrock.com/blog/phil-celia-the-pbc-sessions
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Phil Celia - Circus Town
Circus Town
Released December 2011
“From start to finish, “Circus Town” by Phil Celia is an impressive collection of music. The songwriting is gold standard – full of consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. Note for note, song for song, there isn’t really a weak piece in this entire catalog. The writing and playing abilities of Phil Celia and company are rock solid. The melodies and harmonies are well crafted, and the lyrical content is packed to the hilt with good old-fashioned conventional wisdom. At the end of the day Phil Celia brings the mojo, and is clearly a marquee talent. One would be wise to keep a watchful eye on him over the years to come – down in his new home.”
– Cyrus Rhodes – IndieMusicDigest.com – Nominated CD of the Year 2013
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“Phil Celia’s latest release “Circus Town” makes a lasting impression upon the listener. His amazing writing/performance skills are never once called into question. “Circus Town” creates an inviting musical setting that highlights all the good about great Americana and Singer-Songwriter music. All songs offer a wide array of musical depth and structure – offering a great balance set of songs.”
– David Ricks – RocknRollView.com
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“There are some really good songs on “Circus Town” that not only have substance but step outside the traditional “flash in the pan” modern-day pop musical boundaries as well.”
– Ricardo Lopez – IndieArtistsAlliance.com
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“From the production to the musicians, including the great guest players to legendary songs – Phil Celia delivers. With the advent of Celia’s latest home and CD “Circus Town” in the ever evolving realm of folk-pop it’s nice to know a guy like Celia remembers his musical roots within this amazing genera. Recording Artist, Writer, Producer, Performer- Phil Celia – Bravo, I say!”
– Deborah Brock – SkopeMag.com/
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“Americana artists often offer listeners something that is very genuine and can be awe-inspiring. Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Phil Celia fits well into this category with his latest release entitled Circus Town.”
– Courtney Jensen – MusicNewsNashville.com
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“I have booked Phil many times, and each time he has performed admirably. After listening to “Circus Town”, I am now aware he is not only a dynamic and satisfying live performer, but also an accomplished studio artist. These songs are from a true “story-teller” that speak volumes of life experiences that almost anyone can connect with and enjoy. Bravo Mr. Celia!!”
– Brent Harvey, KBH Entertainment Group
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Stockholm Street
“Phil is incredible. We don’t know each other at all, yet he managed to make me feel like we have spent our youth together, lost touch, and got back in touch many years after. I was listening to him, telling me his story in a captivating, intimate way. I get goosebumps each time I listen to Stockholm Street… Take my own feelings as a reviewer, imagine a beautiful voice reaching you deep within, combined with high-caliber musicianship, and here it is: Stockholm Street. Not a good album, but a great one. The difference between good and great lies in the fact that good is something you appreciate, but something great becomes a part of your life, and you cannot imagine living without it. Thank you Phil, you made me feel more alive than anyone else. I can never repay you that!”
– Jean Baptiste Collinet – MusesMusic.com
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“Overall this release from Phil Celia is an impressive musical statement. Its strong suit is his musical & emotional depth, songwriting craft, & passionate vocal presence. Celia touches all the emotions not only in his writing, but his vocals. Pound for Pound “Stockholm Street” is honest, striking, yet an uplifting statement, filled with messages of wisdom, life, hope, & the love of life. “Stockholm Street” doesn’t let you forget who you are, where you came from – & where you one day will return either. Back to where you belong – home on Stockholm Street.”
– Cyrus Rhodes – IndieMusicDigest.com
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“Stockholm Street by Phil Celia is the perfect CD to spin on rainy days when you just want pure, earthy music to fill your atmosphere. Phil Celia is an amazing player & composer who delivers heart felt music. I give Celia credit for making his point.”
– Markus Druery – IndieShark.com