djrossstar

Phantom Planet's Raise the Dead – the band's fourth full-length, first in four years and first for indie label Fueled by Ramen – is filled with harmonies and catchy hooks, evoking a memorable day at the beach: During the opening tracks "Raise the Dead," "Dropped" and "Leader," I can see myself picking up my friends in my car, driving to Santa Monica and parking my butt on the sand. It's not until "Do the Panic" that a full beach volleyball tournament pans out in my imagination.

"Ship Lost at Sea" marks the halfway point of the record, and the saxophone fits the song like a glove. I can't pretend any longer that I don't feel like bobbing my head to the music.

The second half of the album is more rock and less pop. "Demon Daughters" builds up speed from start to finish and is reminiscent of early Strokes, while "Confess" sounds like it could have been a B-side from Panic at the Disco's Pretty Odd. The closing track, "I Don't Mind," is an attention-grabbing ballad of sorts that comes complete with its own string arrangement. The track is a perfect closer to this roller-coaster ride of a record, which hints at inspiration from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones throughout.

"Raise the Dead" is full of unique and memorable songs in both melodies and lyrics. Alex Greenwald's vocals manage to sound both soothing and powerful. Hopefully their Honda Civic Tour with Panic at the Disco will help the band attract an even bigger and more diverse following. Phantom Planet deserves some credibility aside from "California." This album is evidence they are definitely not one-hit wonders. By the way — there might be a secret track. ;)

Check out Scott McDonald's review of M83's Saturdays=Youth.

Take a look at Breesays' review of Thrice's  Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth.

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