Phoenix - "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" (Astralwerks)

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The French pop band Phoenix continue to write utterly engaging, dance-inspired songs on their fourth studio album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. And while the band has already garnered some minor buzz and success with their previous releases, this new album boasts the potential to draw an even wider fan base.

"Lisztomania" and "1901" open the album as an energetic one-two punch. Both songs rely heavy on synthesizers and thumping dance rhythms, which prove to be a constant throughout the new album. The energy never fully subsides on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix; a driving effort from start to finish. And while their music has always been captivating, the real victory for Phoenix is that their songs finally match that same level of interest. Songs like "Rome" carry the same weight musically as they do lyrically.

On the whole, Phoenix is ambitious and confident on their new release. The band avoids the temptation to do too much or try too hard. Ten stylish, well-crafted pop songs Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a successful effort and a certain leap forward for the band.

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