Inside the mind of Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines -Phoenix’s upcoming concert this Jan. 21, 2014 at the World Trade Center is easily one of next year’s most anticipated events. As the countdown to the massive gig continues, let’s delve deeper into their latest album, “Bankrupt!”

Melodic shifts, quirky instrumentals and sultry synths, these have been part of the music trademark of the French indie music legend, Phoenix. Now, on their years-in-the-making album “Bankrupt!,” this trademark is certainly evident, but this time, with more of a feel for the vibrant tense of music.

Phoenix defined their sound with the Grammy award-winning album, “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” and it proved quite a challenge to the French foursome to deviate from such identity. “Bankrupt!” is a fine comeback for the band after a four year spell from that said “breakthrough” — it didn’t need to be too different and it actually served as an advantage by introducing their new material with a familiar sound . But this time, rather than the poppy hooks from their previous album, the band conveys a much intricate sound, highlighting loud releases.

This 10-track masterpiece is considered by many as a self-reflective commentary of the band’s post-success experience with narratives describing the pros and cons of their life on the road. The album opens up with Entertainment, an oriental sounding, highly energetic track that tells of the self-awareness of commodification of their art. Another highlight is S.O.S. in Bel Air, an upbeat, seemingly jolly song, which turns out to be about the lonesomeness of guest-list-only parties and the longing for an escape from high-society banality. Also perceptible is the seven- minute, mostly instrumental title track Bankrupt. Trying to Be Cool, on the other hand, is a slightly slower song than the previous ones. Finally, the album wraps up with Oblique City, a catchy tune with cymbals and synths, that poses the question if there is anything else, anything more to life than all the luxuries they experience from city to city as a consequence of being a famous band.

Even in their previous albums, the lyrics in Phoenix songs tend to be likened to a collage, with words put together in an order that would seem strange in the first look. They live up to that here in “Bankrupt!,” but in this album, there’s a clear sense of moody distress. Loneliness seems like a recurring theme. “I’d rather be alone,” concludes Mars on Entertainment. “Alone, alone, alone,” goes SOS in Bel Air. “I’m not gonna do this alone,” declares Oblique City, the closing tune.

“Bankrupt!” certainly provides continuity with the establishment of the music identity of Phoenix, this time more taken with what many would call posh, atmospheric tunes. It gives a rather thrilling insight into the sentiments of this post-millennial power-pop band that is cohesive throughout. The album is a hit, and a good number of reviews attest to that. And when Phoenix performs live in Manila for the first time on Jan. 21, 2014 at the World Trade Center, fans bopping heads and shaking hips to the tracks in “Bankrupt!” can surely be expected.

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Catch Phoenix Live in Manila! Get your tickets at SM Tickets at www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222 for more inquiries. Tickets are priced at P5,000 for VIP seating and P3500 for gold standing. This event is presented by Karpos Multimedia and co-presented by Fox and Star World.