One of the best new artists to break out in 2009, Phoenix have arrived on the scene with their latest release, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The band from Versailles, France have crafted quite a following in their home country and around Europe, and are just starting to make their presence known here in the United States. With this album, they have crafted a truly dynamic and aesthetically pleasing album that is starting to bring in the masses.
Kicking off the album with a bang, "Listzomania" is perhaps my favorite song off the album and one of the best songs I've heard in the last 5 years. With its highly melodic guitars and lead singer Thomas Mars transcendent vocals leading the charge, this song is a masterpiece from start to finish. "1901" is the album's first single, which you've probably heard in those Cadillac commercials you've probably seen recently on TV. Equally catchy as its predecessor, the song has an insatiable beat you can't help to dance along to and is one of the endless highlights on the album.
The album doesn't stop rolling as "Fences" has a cavalcade of beats in it amongst a flurry of guitars, making you feel like you're in a dance club. "Lasso" has an ample wave of pleasant sounding guitars and a wonderful drum beat, giving the song a Strokes-esque vibe to it. "Rome" has a very ambient and laid back feel to it, adding a little variety to an extremely eclectic album so far. Heading down the homestretch, "Girlfriend" really showcases guitarist Laurent Brancowitz's amazing guitar skills and his ability to adapt his guitar abilities to any song he plays. "Armistice" ties the whole album together with its mix of guitars, thumping bass, and intricate drum beats.
Nominated for a Best Alternative Music Album at this Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony, Phoenix have definitely earned that nomination and have clearly proven with this album why they're one of the best alternative acts out there, bar none. And they have also displayed their unique ability to capture the essence of the environment around them and translate it into song. A wonderful album from start to finish.
Album Score: 4.5/5
Track Listing:
- Lisztomania
- 1901
- Fences
- Love Like A Sunset Part 1
- Love Like A Sunset Part 2
- Lasso
- Rome
- Countdown
- Girlfriend
- Armistice
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