Phoenix Madness!!!

If you like smooth indie beats and songs that range from care free to extreme sobriety then Phoenix is the band for you. With songs like “Lisztomania” that describe an insatiable need to be outdoors having fun or songs like “Everything is Everything" that convey a sense of cool melancholy, Phoenix can easily fit whatever mood you're in. Phoenix is a French indie-band based out of Versailles that began their debut in France in 2000 with their release of their first album titled "United". United's most popular songs are "If I ever feel better" and "Too young". This album sets up the overall distinguishing characteristics of the band which is a relaxed mix of lighthearted beats with dark undertones.

So what does the music actually sound like????

One of the really interesting things about this band is that even though they are a French band, they sing in English! In any song you can easily hear (if not feel) the thumping bass and the instrumental interludes that will carry you away to a world that Phoenix has created. The synthesizer adds to the sometimes fast and sometimes slow backbeat creating a sort of musical rollercoaster for the listener. In other words this band isn't boring! Thomas Mars (the lead singer) has a voice that immediatly lets the listener know that they are indeed listening to Phoenix. His voice is right in that sweet spot between too high and too low. The songs on every album seemingly flow into one another composing an endless symphony of wistful rhythms.

My favorite song has to be "Lisztomania"...wait maybe "If I ever feel better"...or "Everything is Everything"...or "Fences"! I can't really pick a favortie song because I love so many of their songs. I'm not one of those crazy die hard fans or anything but they do speak to almost any mood I'm in. Sometimes after a long day, I can go home, turn on my ipod, and crank up the Phoenix tunes and the rest of the world melts away. The stress of my AP classes is replaced with calmness as soon as I put in my headphones and the indie beats fill my head. Don't you love it when music can do that?

I would recommend this band to anyone who likes alternative and indie music or music that just makes you feel good!

Love and Rockets,

Cheyenne