Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is the fourth studio release from the French group Phoenix. In this release they return to the dance floor ways after their last album Its Never Been Like That was more of a guitar lead “traditional” expression. One of the best aspects of this group is that each album is a distinctive style with varied goals and it really showcases their talents to sound first-rate in different genres. With this album we hear strong echoes of the 80’s, mixed in well with contemporary synthpop but executed with originality. At its best this album can make one either want to dance or to chill out (maybe that’s why it’s a good driving album?). Yet, unlike in the 80’s, Phoenix knows the songs need to shift and change even if the tempo doesn’t so as not to stagnate. In Girlfriend, one can maybe hear their take on neo new-wave best (The Killers should be jealous). On Lasso the drums are reminiscent of The Cars and they use old school-like rhythm guitar behind modern leads. The highlight, and future encore song I am sure, is the almost 8 minuet Love Like A Sunset. It starts off like something from Pink Floyd in the 80’s and then builds up into something dissimilar and fierce before a mellow climax with uplifting vocals and acoustic guitar. Its wild, highly talented, and you have no idea where it is headed; it’s exactly what makes Phoenix the band they are.
By Sean Poynton Brna (as originally written for Chicagoindie.com in 09/09)
