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Rock Me Amadeus Phoenix

As a band, Phoenix has made some spottily exciting records, but has never — despite the name — flown too close to the sun. Until now.

Based in Versailles (the town, not the palace), Phoenix has had three studio albums leading up to the supersonic delight that is Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (out digitally today and on CD May 26). From the hectic first single, “Listzomania,” to the Gothic organ that buoys the smashing closer “Armistice,” this is a band on the fly. Under the wing of co-producer Philip Zdar (half of the electro-house Cassius), this Gallic foursome offers ten streamlined rock-heavy gems with danceable rhythms and non-stop choruses. And the session drummer! Though not a full-time member of the band‚ Thomas Hedlund slams like Keith Moon drunk on Vampire Weekend. When the rhythms inevitably take over‚ it’s a bacchanalian orgy of power pop‚ pogo-ing and sheer jubilation. 

The boys even give us a breather in the middle of the record. The seven-minute, two-part cinematic sweep of “Love Like a Sunset” is the first French-rock stadium anthem. More proof that this Phoenix is finally alive, edging closer and closer to the sun. On the basis of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, there’s no danger they’ll crash and burn anytime soon.


Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is available digitally today and on CD May 26 from Loyaute/Glassnote Records.