The indie-pop genre boasts many collections of vibe-y dance grooves and hip beats, but Phoenix definitely provides a lot more than the stereotypical sounds of an indie-pop band, and then some.

Thomas Mars, Deck D’Arcy, Christian Mazzalai, and Lauren Brancowitz are the quartet responsible for producing such rhythmic beats and bopping vocals to the indie masses from their debut album United in mid-2000.  Hailing from Versailles, France, the same city from which electronica superstars Daft Punk originate from, Phoenix possess a very unique and tolerable style that delivers more of a good feeling tone rather than a pop-influenced agenda.  Although experiencing seldom approaches with their earlier albums, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix provides a distinct sound from the rest of their LP’s and a more “happier” approach with their 2009 release.

“Lisztomania” kicks the album off with a very noticeable introduction and hopefully makes the listener want to progress into what the rest of the album has to offer.  Being the album’s debut single, Lisztomania is an upbeat song with an unforgettable chorus.  Following thereafter is “1901″ which is a tune that I honestly don’t know the real underlying meaning behind, but definitely has some kind of an ‘afro-pop’ influence to it, such as those familiar tracks from Vampire Weekend.  It’s not as catchy as the first track but the transitions into the verses make it an appropriate title to consider and appreciate.  Track three, “Fences”, is a much more slower paced song than the previous two but can be seen as ‘forgettable.’  It is a very chill and relaxing tune, but it strongly relates back to Phoenix’s old sound rather than the new, upbeat score they are aiming for.  Next is “Love Like a Sunset” which is a 7 minute array of instrumental experimentation (however you want to put it).  I see this track as a transition to the next song, maybe even a build up, but nothing more than fingers and strumming (maybe drumming and pressing?).  The following track, “Lasso” is one worth the wait from the instrumental intermission.  This tune delivers a punch from the beginning: the band effectively combines a lyrical message intertwined with an edgier beat. “Rome” has more of a twangier sound than the previous tracks but possesses catchy guitar riffs to appreciate throughout the whole track.  The lyrics are good, but I don’t really see them complementing the beat and tone that this tune has to offer.  Nonetheless, a great track and definitely not forgettable.  Track 8, “Countdown” can be considered as the ugly duck of the colony, as it provides nothing more than out-of-place, repeated riffs and words that don’t seem to make any sense as a collective.  Number 9, “Girlfriend”, shows a little more forgiveness from the previous track and is a more relaxing yet catchier tune than the others.  Oh my, that piano synth in the middle is quite the ear-opener.  Finally, is “Armistice” which sounds a lot similar to Girlfriend but can be classified in a different respect when the bridge and chorus kick in.  Not the best of the best, but is a memorable treat to end the album off right.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a playful little treat, but outside of the first five tracks are forgettable instances.  Yes, it is a great album, and yes, it is worth purchasing.  The quartet just need to pack a little more punch in their upcoming albums and deliver a knockout from start to finish.

Lisztomania by Phoenix…

The verdict? 4/5