Full Review: Phantom Planet – Raise The Dead
Much of the band’s success comes from the early record, ‘The Guest’ (or ‘Phantom Planet Was Here’) which was released back in 2002. I have a feeling though that the future success of the band will be largely attributed to ‘Raise The Dead’.
The band has always been evolving their sound never letting themselves become pigeonholed into a specific style. On the new album the band takes on a more ridged, slightly grungy, pop sound. The music and even vocals could be compared to that of the band Hot Hot Heat, although the two groups still have many differences.
The first 5 tracks are absolute, unquestionable hit songs waiting to be played on the radio or for sure at a lively party. Full of catchy melodies and unforgettable rhythms the album opens with a great first impression. “Do The Panic” begins with distorted guitar, then adding kick drum and finally adding the rest of the band. Once the song breaks into the chorus which starts with “Come on, come on, its time to lose control” the song really begins to shine with the hooks taking their grip in you. The song is definitely the most stand out single and could/should be the band’s next “California”.
Deeper into the album the intensity level drops on some songs and loses some of its appeal. Songs like “Too Much Too Often” is too repetitive and it’s chorus never gets off the ground, dragging on until it finishes. “Geronimo” has plenty of energy but feels more like an instrumental jam song with some singing on top of it. The song also feels too chaotic with not as much balance like other tracks on the record.
Although there are some songs on the second half of the record that disappoint, the overall product is a big step forward for the band and should be a fun summer album. Those that have not been too interested in the band before may want to give this release a look.
Track Listing
1. “Raise the Dead”
2. “Dropped”
3. “Leader”
4. “Do the Panic”
5. “Quarantine”
6. “Ship Lost at Sea”
7. “Demon Daughters”
8. “Geronimo”
9. “Too Much Too Often”
10. “Confess”
11. “Leave Yourself for Somebody Else”
12. “I Don’t Mind”
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Buy ‘Raise The Dead’ for $8.99 from Amazon.com
Tags: music, phantom planet, raise the dead
