Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix
LABEL: Ghettoblaster S.A.R.L.

With Wolfgang Amadeus, Phoenix have brilliantly outdone their previous album—with confidence. One of the best things a band can do is provide exactly what they strive for; in their case, a great indie pop album that can be danced to.

Growing up in the suburbs of Versailles, the French foursome have been playing together since childhood. Without knowing it, people first got an earful of the band when they did a backing for Air’s “Kelly Watch the Stars” single. With a de facto endorsement from a band like Air, it wasn’t hard to see that this Phoenix was rising. Soon enough, they delivered a few of their own hits and produced three albums leading up to this, highly anticipated, fourth LP.

They squeeze everything they possibly can out of an indie pop album with Wolfgang Amadeus—there is no wasted sound here. The first song, “Lisztomania”, really sets the stage. Already a hit, it is pouring with bubbly melodies from the front man Thomas Mars’ distinct voice. Remarkably, the rest of the album doesn’t drop off a cliff. All ten songs are clean, strong, and right to the point—holding up track after track. Think roller-blading in the park while eating an ice cream cone. This is one of those social albums that you could bust out at a party or privately jam to while working, as I did while writing this review. The colossal point of the album for me is “Love Like a Sunset,” an instrumental summit that approaches eight minutes in length. Conversely, though, it is Mar’s voice that consistently helps Phoenix surpass the other endless amount of indie pop bands.

REVIEWED BY MIRANDA SERENE
Favorite Tracks: "Lisztomania" • "1901" • "Love Like a Sunset"


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