Legend has it that a phoenix is reborn from its ashes after its body
is engulfed in flames. Yet Phoenix, a four-man band from France, never
crashed and burned. Their latest album shows that they have a seemingly
endless supply of complex pop tunes that sound as alive and vivid as
ever. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is 37 minutes of pure joy —
crunchy synths, staccato guitar effervescence and danceable beats, all
compressed to perfection. “Fences” is a shimmering disco-tinged
breakdown with almost as much groove as John Travolta circa 1977.
“Lisztomania” and “1901” are undeniable foot- tappers and
booty-shakers, complete with calls to action like “Time to show it
off!” Something strange happens halfway through the album when “Love
Like a Sunset,” a two-part otherworldly experimental adventure, puts
the dance beats to rest. It’s a natural progression from Phoenix’s
spacey, futuristic sound. But it’s a great relief when the band returns
to the dance-pop of the rest of the album. If Wolfgang is
Phoenix’s rebirth, may they live a long, long life. — Danielle
Sills
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 2, 2009.
