New Music Review: Phoenix’s Bankrupt!

You’ve gotta know something.

This week, I’m really diggin’ Phoenix’s new album, Bankrupt!

And who ever said that nothing good comes from France anymore? Well thanks to this group, you can’t say their music isn’t any good. Next observation: these Frenchman sing in English. Again, what kind of French dudes are these? Well, I’ll tell you: darn cool ones.

Their new album is exploding with synths.  The vocals and harmonizations remind me a lot of psychedelic Beatles era stuff, and the synths bring me back to early 90’s pop. Catchy, in-your-face. Michael Jackson-esque, at times.

But strap yourself in because this album is *loud*. Probably too loud. Wait… I’m listening to “S.O.S” right now… This album is definitely too loud. Yeah, ear fatigue, as they call it. Check it out. But be warned: it’s best played quietly, cuz this stuff will smash your brains in from both ears.

Take a deep breath when track six comes (Bankrupt!). It’s a much-needed ear break. And sounds pretty dang cool, too. It also helps that one of these guys knows music theory.

Here’s a link to the album on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bankrupt!-deluxe/id602320012

Top 25 Albums of All Time – #8

Relient K – Five Score and Seven Years Ago

I just can’t get enough of it. Packaged pop-punk? Yes. But is it well done? Absolutely. Maybe the best. Certainly in the best-in-class category. Lyrically, this stuff packs a serious punch, too. Don’t believe me on the lyrics? Listen to the *epic* “Deathbed” and decide for yourself. It’s awesome. It’s a songwriter’s song – a story-song. Love it.

Spotify link here: open.spotify.com/album/2i7lUD7JpgyVd2KhuzMp6O

Buy it on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/five-score-and-seven-years-ago/id215485112

FYI: The album cover image I’ve used is from the original album release cardboard sleeve. It’s fairly rare and unknown, but I prefer it to the “updated” cover.