Phoenix - Its Never Been Like That

This album dropped a few weeks back and stirred up a bit of attention on the blogs, but the buzz seems to have fizzled a bit. What better time to mention this album again?

I have only recently (within the past few days) started to listen to the band/album, but I am enjoying it. Phoenix specialize in straight-ahead, hook filled indie pop/rock which comes off as immediately familiar. Much like Band of Horses debut-- this album doesn't break any new ground and is too straight-forward to make a huge impression on the indie radar. Occasionally, we all need reminding that just because an artist/album does not require a significant learning curve it doesn't make the songs inferior and being accessible is not a bad thing. It's all about the songs themselves and there is no shortage of really strong ones contained on this concise 10 track set.

"Consolation Prizes" could easily be a radio hit in a cooler world and reminds me of George Michael's "Faith" mixed with the Shins' sophomore record. "Long Distance Call" is another highlight and Prefix Mag reviewer John Ziess was quite accurate describing the tune as reminiscent of two of 2005's great indie rock singles, Spoon's "I Turn My Camera On" and My Morning Jacket's "Wordless Chorus". Other highlights include the lushly textured, laid-back "One Time Too Many" and beat-driven "Courtesy Laughs", which again brings Spoon to mind.

Think: Strokes-lite, Spoon, and the Shins. Sounds good doesn't it?


Tunes:

Phoenix - "Consolation Prizes"

Phoenix - "Long Distance Call"


Buy the album here.

Visit Phoenix on MySpace.