Anthony Phillips – Wise After The Event

Anthony Phillips – Wise After The Event

Released in 1978, Wise After The Event is the second solo album by Anthony Phillips, the former Genesis guitarist whose intricate compositions and interest in acoustic textures helped shape the band's early musical identity. Following his departure from Genesis in 1970, Phillips developed a distinctive solo career, combining progressive rock with English folk influences, pastoral melodies, classical-inspired arrangements and detailed instrumental passages.

Produced by Rupert Hine, Wise After The Event finds Phillips taking a more direct approach to songwriting while retaining the layered arrangements and compositional ambition associated with progressive rock. Unlike his largely instrumental debut, The Geese & The Ghost, this album places Phillips's own vocals at the centre of the material, giving the songs a more personal character. The result is an engaging blend of melodic art rock, acoustic guitar, atmospheric keyboards and carefully constructed ensemble playing.

The opening track, “We're All As We Lie”, introduces the album with delicate guitar work and a reflective vocal performance, while “Birdsong” develops from a gentle folk-influenced beginning into a more expansive arrangement. “Moonshooter” brings a stronger rhythmic drive and memorable melodic contrasts, leading into the title track, an extended composition that balances powerful guitar passages with quieter, intricately arranged sections.

The second side broadens the album's musical palette. “Pulling Faces” moves between more forceful rock textures and softer passages, while “Regrets” stands out for its orchestral accompaniment and emotional restraint. “Greenhouse” offers a compact instrumental contrast, and “Paperchase” adds further rhythmic and melodic variety. The album closes with “Now What (Are They Doing To My Little Friends?)”, an extended piece that combines Phillips's characteristic instrumental detail with a more unusual lyrical subject.

The supporting musicians contribute significantly to the album's sound. Drummer Michael Giles, known for his work with King Crimson, provides intricate rhythmic support, while bassist John G. Perry adds depth to the arrangements. Mel Collins contributes soprano saxophone and flute, and Hine's production helps bring together the album's acoustic, electric and orchestral elements without losing the intimacy of Phillips's songwriting.

For fans of early Genesis, melodic progressive rock, English art rock and the more reflective side of 1970s rock, Wise After The Event offers a rewarding look at Phillips's development as a solo artist. It captures a musician balancing his progressive ambitions with a more song-focused approach, making it an appealing addition for listeners exploring the wider musical world surrounding Genesis and the classic progressive rock era.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. We're All As We Lie — 4:34
A2. Birdsong — 7:30
A3. Moonshooter — 5:52
A4. Wise After The Event — 8:45

Side B
B1. Pulling Faces — 4:32
B2. Regrets — 5:15
B3. Greenhouse — 3:00
B4. Paperchase — 5:28
B5. Now What (Are They Doing To My Little Friends?) — 8:30