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July 08, 2009
Posted by kramer
I always find some type of humor when you “discover” a band that you already knew about but just hadn’t realized it. Phoenix is one of those bands. A few years ago, Erlend Oye (from KINGS OF CONVENIENCE fame) did a DJ KICKS mix of tunes. He chose a Phoenix tune for this mix but I just didn’t know it was a Phoenix tune until I had heard their new effort WOLFGANG AMADEUS PHOENIX. It is amazing to me when a singer has that distinctive of a voice that you can pick it out right away from somewhere else. Sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes that isn’t (I’m looking at you Alec Ounsworth).
I have listened to Phoenix’s older efforts and they took some big steps forward on their 4th studio album. The production is nice and crisp and the songs are much more concise without any fluff to district you from their pop goodness. The first part of the album are dominated by some of the strongest tracks (Lisztomania, 1901 and my personal favorite, Fences). These set the mood flawlessly for what is to come on the latter parts of the disc.
I applaud Phoenix’s attempt to be more adventurous with their two part, mostly instrumental middle interlude of “Love like a Sunset.” It reminded me a lot of THE SOFT BULLETIN era Flaming Lips the first few times I heard it. However, it has morphed into something a bit more lighter now. Bands walk a fine line of pretentiousness and sentimentality when they place big, instrumental pieces in the middle of lyrically driven pop-rock. Luckily, Phoenix toe that line impeccably and I feel the tunes add to the overall mood.
The latter half of the disc has more deliciously accessible pop-rock. The band really is in line with a lot of the other French rock groups that have put France on the map for quality alternative/indie/electronica music (Air and Daft Punk being the others). Thomas Mars’ voice is not overpowering but it definitely is not blown away by the support of dual guitars and bass. Phoenix is a band just makes me smile when I hear them and I think they will do the same thing for you.
Try: Fences, Countdown, Lasso, Girlfriend
http://www.myspace.com/wearephoenix
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