(14 August 2010) Greenhaus, originally an electronic three piece formed in the late 90s, (with releases under the Beggars Banquet and Kickin Records labels), have released their fourth studio album A Fools Paradise (Greenhaus (UK) Phuture phcd16, 2010). The band's first offering, The Unmistakeable Sound of Sloth, was described variously as "the offspring of ambient and wave" and an "essential album that will cater to a wide range of musical tastes." This was then followed up in 2004 by Another Life, described by one critic as "best suited for those into lunar and dreamy moods," "space rock with electro grooves." This album contained many tracks featuring the vocalist Lahannya.

The band's third studio album, You're Not Alone (Kalinkaland (Germany), Revolver Records (UK), REV XD 248, 2006) received excellent reviews and has been considered the band's best work to date. "Greenhaus, who managed to enlighten me already with their live performances last year, have done it again this year to brighten up the late Fall with a beam of sunshine, similar to Sigur Ros, who managed to do this just two months earlier" wrote Electric Diary, Germany. "Not just an ethereal soundscape but an enchanting melody as well. The kind of music not heard since the Cocteau Twins, and listening to "Higher Ground" we are very glad of that" wrote Record of the Day.

Vocals are now provided by Phoenix J, with her beautifully crafted melodies and tone leading to the overall offering being described as "almost therapeutic," and likened to Massive Attack and the Cocteau Twins. She is the ideal complement to Anthony Neale, who has been providing excellent vocals for the band since 2005. During this time the band have played many times across Europe. Phoenix J's solo work includes Junkk, Music For The Soul (Firebird Music (UK), 2002) and Binary Star (Firebird Music (UK), 1997) recorded under the moniker Joan Martin.

The band's live lineup has stabilised over recent years to include Phoenix J (vocals), Steve Bellamy (music), Warren Farr (drums), and Clark Denham (bass). And during this time they have been busy working on this new album, comprising a mixture of full vocal tracks and instrumentals. The band plan to distribute a bonus instrumental-only CD with A Fools Paradise at their gigs during the summer of 2010.

Online news originally forecasted that the new Greenhaus album would be a two-CD set. However the finished product is a fourteen track CD with new tracks and remixes. The remixes of the band's earlier compositions include, "Don't Shoot The Messenger" (Twenty Ten Mix), "You're Not Alone" (Size 9 Trip Mix) and "Bird Of Passage" (Twenty Ten Mix). The original versions of the tracks first appeared on You're Not Alone, except for "Bird Of Passage that also appeared on Eyes Wide Open. The remixes are more robust and club oriented. The new version of the band's hit "You're Not Alone" is tremendous. Phoenix J's vocals glide over rhythmic and acoustically influenced arrangements.

Some of the new material on the one hour album has a more electronic feel to it than You're Not Alone, although other tracks are almost totally acoustic such as "Kiss and Tell" which contains ethnic rhythms and violin riffs. The recordings also contain excellent contributions from Mark Anthony on lead guitar and Susana Duende on keyboards, both of whom have performed with the band on many occasions, as well as Anthony Neale on vocals, Nim diRicci on flute, Malcolm Standard on viola, Jonny Hunt on violin and Achim Faerber on drums.

Phoenix J has a remarkably powerful voice with the ability to soar over the most robust dance-oriented arrangements, as for example in the stunning title track. She has matured her sound significantly from You're Not Alone. Listen to her solo work and live versions of her work with Greenhaus at her own MySpace site. A petite young Asian woman who now has short hair instead of the bald head seen in our promo photos, she has an incredibly sensual voice. When coupled with her sexy image she melts listeners' hearts.

The wait for a new Greenhaus album since their last release in 2006 is now over. Three years in the making, A Fools Paradise is a great collection of all new materialand remixes certain to please lovers of electronic music featuring female vocals. Phoenix J sings wonderfully and video footage demonstrates that her live performances are a real treat.