March 20, 2004
Phantom Planet - Birmingham - Zydeco
Lola Ray
Psychotic Expressions, Power Pop, Quickly Heads
Phantom Planet
Expected Sound, Non Challenging, Desperate Attention
Phantom Planet has been on the scene for quiet a while making there own unique sound of Power Pop. They have created a large Indie Power Pop fan base based on there beautiful sound. However, their last release left this sound for a more mainstream expected sound. This change has alienated many fans. However we headed down to Birmingham to see if there live show could save this otherwise unsavory new album.
A new comer to the musical world, Lola Ray, opened for Phantom Planet. Still lacking an initial album, Lola Ray is touring supporting a forth coming album. Lola Ray is led by an eccentric Oriental Punk. The look in his eyes show that he is in the correct career. Those eyes would only be found in few locations, and most would involve crime no doubt. However, Lola Ray created much energy on stage, not by jumping around, but simply by verbal strength and powerful facial expressions and head knocks.
After Lola Ray left the stage, Phantom Planet hit the stage. While, it was hoped they would play older tunes, of course they mainly played songs from there latest album, The Guest, the purpose of this album is it seems make the main stream musical critics happy. This is unfortunate. However it must be stated that live the songs were much better than the presentation on the album. The group works well together. The poor review may be a product of the venue as well. The sound was far from good, which led to a disturbing end result. To Alex Greenwalds, lead singer, credit, he did try hard to get the crowd into the moment. This included climbing over the rafters, hanging upside down from them and yet still singing. The band also let things loose by inviting all on stage to sing and dance with them.
Overall though a disappointment, lets hope Phantom Planets next venture proves much more cutting edge and unique. Then we can recommend there live show as well.
Posted by itzjerm at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)