Their first album since “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,” French alternative band Phoenix returns to the top charts with another great set of tracks on “Bankrupt!” Released on April 22, “Bankrupt!” has been highly anticipated and delivers the Phoenix sound that is loved.
The first single “Entertainment” became available mid-February followed by a music video for the track in March. Bringing high hopes for Phoenix fans waiting for new songs from the band, “Entertainment” has the same synthpop sound unique to Phoenix and the distinct vocals of singer Thomas Mars.
Similar to “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,” this new album contains both upbeat and subdued tracks. “Entertainment,” “Drakkar Noir,” “Don’t,” and “Oblique City” are the more uptempo tracks, while “The Real Thing,”SOS in Bel Air,” and “Bougeois” give the album a more downtempo side to it, both common styles for Phoenix.
The track “Bankrupt!” stands apart from the rest of the album just as “Love Like a Sunset Part I and II” did on their previous album. As a lengthy, instrumental track with no vocals, Phoenix broadens their music style with songs like these, showing they can have engaging tracks without the help of Mars’ unique voice.
“Trying to Be Cool” has an atypical sound from what Phoenix usually produces, functioning as an unofficial second single when performed on SNL early April. This track has catchy lyrics, and has a sound similar to Phoenix’s earlier work.
Another standout track from “Bankrupt!” is the song “Oblique City,” the sound being captivating and well arranged as well fun to listen to. “Oblique City” has a little less electronica sound, with lower emphasis on keyboard, and has great lyrics.
“Bankrupt!” proves to be a well rounded album with various types of tracks and slight changes in sound for Phoenix, making this album a necessity for Phoenix fans to have.
