Phoenix CD Review

May 26 marked the release of "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," the fourth album from French rock band, Phoenix. Their music is a blending of genres; I will call it retro-pop/rock with a bit of electro/synth. When I first listened to short clips of the songs, I didn't hear anything too unique. Other bands have a similar sound: I call them "the" bands (The Killers, The Hives, The Strokes, etc.) I hadn't listened to this genre much since "the" bands were basking in the height of their popularity, around 2004. It seems the genre is making a bit of a comeback. Newer bands like MGMT, Silversun Pickups, and now, Phoenix have taken the music scene by surprise, beginning a revival of the retro/rock genre. Phoenix's sound is familiar yet different. When I listened to each song in its entirety, my prior assumptions were absolved. The tunes on this album are infectious and fun. They are all great songs too. The instrumentals are not extremely complex (aside from "Love Like A Sunset Pt. 1" which is a beautiful all-instrumental song) but the steady drum beats and guitar chords give Phoenix that distinctive retro/indie sound. At first, the catchy upbeat tunes mask the musical and lyrical depth at their core. "Rome" has some of my favorite lyrics: "1,000 years remain in the trashcan/I burned the cigarette somewhere/Ashes still it fall fall falls." My favorite songs on the cd are "Lasso" and "Lisztomania" for their upbeat energy and "gets in your head all day" sing-along chorus and melody. I dare you to not tap your foot along. You may even break out into a little dance when no one's looking! I give "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" 4 stars and major props for revitalizing my interest in retro/rock.

Track list:
01 Lisztomania
02 1901
03 Fences
04 Love Like A Sunset Pt. 1
05 Love Like A Sunset Pt. 2
06 Lasso
07 Rome
08 Countdown
09 Girlfriend
10 Armistice

Here is Phoenix's music video for "Lisztomania"


(album image from Amazon.com)