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Loneliness. Family. Darkness. Self-love. Friendship. Loss. Rebirth.
These are the common threads (at least for me) that I feel when I listen to this new record. It’s funny how music can sometimes come at just the right moment in your life. How can I be relating to these words, while also dealing with my own personal tragedies? Why do I continuously feel such a connection to their music? Probably because the foundation of their project is rooted and friendship and truth – which is something that I am constantly searching for but is always changing.
So as to not subject you to a lengthy track-by-track approach, I just want to point out some key highlights for me when it comes to Three.
(Click titles to listen)
“Funeral Pyre” – I literally have to discuss how many times I’ve heard this performed live as an (unreleased) intro at their sets, and I pretty much writhed in agony when it wasn’t included on 2014’s Voices. I have been DYING the past 2 years awaiting a studio version of this track. This could not have been a better 1st impression of the album. Of course I’d listened to the already-released songs, but as a record – a concept, an art piece – this opening track really showcases their sound to new fans while reminding us “oldies” why it’s always worth the wait.
Same Old Blues – This song definitely continues with the heavy tone, but in a more light-hearted approach in contrast with the opening track’s darker atmosphere. Soulful & blues-y, it makes your daily misfortunes feel like they’re really not that bad. “And this is nothing new. It’s just the same old blues”. Not to mention the layering of elements that grows more intense with each bridge. (“I keep on having this dream…”)
Cruel World – I was lucky enough to be one of the first to hear/see this track – ever. Debuting at their post-Lolla after-show at House of Blues, this was something totally different from anything we’ve heard from Phantogram before. Sarah’s vocals grow stronger and more powerful throughout the song – which somehow parallels the growth of my strength as well. Weeding out the bad in my life and remembering to have my own back – this song stands as almost a soundtrack for me in times of need. “So I’m saying my goodbyes -good bye to my good side. It only ever got me hurt, and I finally learned: it’s a cruel, cruel world.”