Review Summary: By writing this album review I hope that a positive outlook on an underrated album can come to it's justice.
Phantom Planet is:
Alex Greenwald: lead vocals, guitar
Sam Farrar: bass, background vocals
Darren Robinson: guitar, background vocals
Jeff Conrad: drums
Produced, Recorded, and Mixed by Dave Fridmann
Original Release Date: January 6, 2004
Label as produced: Sony
Since I already know that a lot of you reading my reviews are die-hard O.C. (the fox television show) fans, you should know that song that every female loves “California”. If you ask any of those girls who made that song though (and maybe some of you), no one will know. That song as overplayed as it is, is by this band called Phantom Planet. So perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is that they are probably a one hit wonder, and in a way that is true. Maybe not… Phantom Planet had changed there sound dramatically from there “California” days and got pretty true to the nerd rock roots/alternative sound. As many will probably be shocked and appalled by the fact that I’m not reviewing some post-hardcore/metal core gem, I am by no means an Indie/Alternative expert (elitist). The vocals and a lot of the music found in this s/t album remind me of bands like the Strokes. Let’s just say that I like what this band has offered me a lot better then the Strokes. I was very relieved by what I found in listening to this…
Phantom Planet
The album jumps off with a roll of the drums in “The Happy Ending”. Feedback from the guitar in the introduction gives a really grungy feeling to the song and the bass hops right on in.
From the first song I already knew that the bass player in this band had something special in him. As the bass groves and is always moving the guitar work always accents his work and gives this song great hooks. The guitar gets into an interlude around 2 minutes in and goes into a clean reverb part and then becomes edgier as before and raw. The song makes for a nice introduction to the album and isn’t by any means the best song off of the album but leaves a good taste in the listeners mouth. “Badd Business” is where this album really gets started though. This song reassures me that the bass player of this band is a diamond in the rough. He takes total control with the lead riff in this song where the guitar uses feedback methods to accent him again. The guitar goes into ska like chords during the chorus but then phases out of that and goes for more of a post-rock feeling during the verses. This song is extremely strong in catchiness and creates more of that positive vibe that you received from the first song.
“Big Brat” is the first single off of this album and is quite a gem for being a single. The music starts off sounding like an introduction into a horror movie film which sounds appropriate since the music video was the band doing a zombie esque black and white.
The music is fun, and grooving. Some of these tunes feel like they’d be right at home at many 80’s type teenage house parties. The bass and guitar continue to be aggressive and dominant in the sound and the instrumentations match the theme of the song perfectly. The lyrics may come off as being obnoxious but after a few listens will wear on you and be stuck. The single makes the impression of being another strong song with a grooving bass line and raw guitar work but… “1st Things 1st” is without the doubt the climax. This song transitions from “Big Brat” right away. It rolls in with drums and then does everything right. The guitar introduces itself and then the lead bass line is nothing less then stellar. The guitar work accompanies the bass and works with it as it works around it too. The song is the catchiest on the album and the lyrics are great. The lyrics always revolve around the song titles and keep to the theme well. There is none of that ridiculous paragraph titling that have nothing to do with songs, that a lot of scene bands do today.
“Making a Killing” continues stride for a great 1st half of the CD. The songs are unique enough to not sound all alike and to be catchy and fun as well. Props for that since a lot of bands can’t diversify there sound in this genre (that’s my personal opinion). “Making a Killing” begins with a nice fuzzy bass line and notice how much I already love this bassist? He hasn’t taken the back seat or settled for less on this album and I can be 100% of that. The song just like the others are relatively of a fast pace. They make me want to dance and jam along with the band. The interludes and guitar soloing keeps everything fresh and liveable throughout the music. “You’re Not Welcome Here” kind of hurts my ears though. The tempo of the song feels like its slow as molasses and that’s a big no-no when your first 5 songs are flying. The song is hard for me to get through because the vocals aren’t really impressive as on other songs and everything feels at a stand still for me. “By The Bed” is also a slow beginning song but is a lot better. The song creates a meaningful expression through a solo guitar in the intro with the vocals. The drums and bass swell in after the first verse and as the song is slow, it’s a lot more melodic and contains more expression. It feels more of a girl oriented song by lyrics and the focus on vocals.
“Knowitall” starts off with a weird spaced out vibe in the beginning with the bass. The use of echo is slight but gives it a real “high up in the air” feeling with the instruments and vocals. The guitar introduces itself with a real grungy wah-wah sound. This song reminds me of the band “The Bravery”. As the second of the album feels a lot more progressive and post-rock it also loses a lot of momentum from the first half. “Jabberjaw” starts off with a palm muted guitar lick and swells in with volume. Then the drums, bass, and guitar all bounce off of each other in the verse. It sounds intricate and beautiful. It’s a fresh breathe of air and invention for the second half of the album at least. The song is once again catchy and fun and seems to be confused for being in the second half of the album. “After Hours” is a slow song that uses a lot of dissonance from the guitar to create an atmospheric like environment. The bass is already what I said about every other song. Interesting, cool, and collected. The song is meant to be more of an ode and does exactly that. It feels very basis in construction but is executed well. “The Meantine” basically is dance time. This song has once again another grooving bass line and a lot of nice guitar perks. The guitar is the background strums its octaves and the lead guitar dances along with the bass. The song to say the least is a strong exit. The bass is always moving and striking me in places where other bassists don’t tend to lead into. The band really bounces off of each other throughout the album and this song is a perfect example.
After Hours
I was ultimately impressed by this band for a few reasons. I wasn’t sure how the same band that made “California” could of possibly expanded into these songs. I’ve talked to a few people on their opinion and we all agree that this band has changed its sound during this album for the better. I was impressed by the bass player in this band. I’m attempting to learn his bass lines and he’s left me some good taste for the bass players in Indie. If anyone is reading this review to this conclusion, I’m trying to find more bands like this with great bass playing. The vocals remind me highly of the Strokes lead singer which, with me is hit or miss. At times it sounds like he’s pouring out his heart and other times, it sounds plain monotone. I just cant believe that bands like the Artic Monkeys are sweeping over the mainstream and a band like this didn’t really get popular at all. In my mind yes the album might not be the most original sounding, but it doesn’t do anything bad and does more things great.
Pros:
+ Fun, Catchy
+ Great Bass Work
+ Good Guitar Work
+ Makes me Dance
Cons:
- Album kind of runs out of steam at times in 2nd half
Verdict:
I need to find more bands that follow suit with this one.
