Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

iTunes Review

Sounding much more like a breezy U.S. college band (think Vampire Weekend) than, say, France’s Daft Punk, French rock band Phoenix have nailed their sound down after more than a decade of permutation. For all the lofty, European implications of the record’s title, the most salient feature of these songs is the accessible, radio-friendly pop tones throughout, from the bubbling opener “Lisztomania” to the galloping “Lasso” and the slightly anthemic “Countdown.”  Both the opening track and the single “1901” are stellar examples of carefree, buoyant pop, full of snapping tom drums, percolating guitars and melodic hooks. Frontman Thomas Mars’ vocals are as focused and endearingly catchy as Emanuel Lundgren’s of I’m From Barcelona, or Britt Daniel’s of Spoon, and are an essential part of the band’s appeal. With clean and crisp lines, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a snapshot of a band coming together, exceeding expectations, and reveling in the wonderment of it all.