PhoenixWolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Glassnote Ent. [2009]
Fire Note Says: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix gets better after every spin!
Album Review:
By the time you get through the first three songs on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and have spent eleven minutes with the French indie band Phoenix you will be totally sold. In these three tracks alone ("Lisztomania", "1901", "Fences") the band puts together a blend of stylish power pop punch that other groups strive to make their entire career. To basically describe Phoenix in a formula would call for packing the swagger of The Strokes, injecting the dance synths of Franz Ferdinand and stirring in catchy lyrics and a pop bounce much like Fountains Of Wayne. This formula works through the entire album, which is a superb compact 10 songs in 36 minutes. Phoenix is a band that seems easy to peg but certain tracks like the 5 minute instrumental "Love Like A Sunset Part I" is a quick reminder that they are not a total open book, as it builds into the 2 minute vocal "Part II" before returning to their pop prowess on "Lasso". Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix builds on the excellent It's Never Been Like That (2006) and sets the stage for its songs to be heard on all types of media outlets because each one's catchiness can stand independent. Phoenix has been on the edge of breaking out before and Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix should be the record to successfully launch them to the masses, as they have already played SNL on April 4 and have been getting tons of Internet buzz, so I don't hear much that should hold them back as this album drops on shelves tomorrow!
Key Tracks: "Lisztomania", "1901", "Fences"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Fountains Of Wayne
The Strokes
Franz Ferdinand
Official Phoenix Website
Phoenix MySpace
Phoenix Info [Allmusic]
Glassnote Ent. Group
-Reviewed by Reece Michael
No comments:
Post a Comment