Phantom Planet
Raise The Dead
Release Date: Apr 15, 2008
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Record label: Atlantic
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Album Review: Raise The Dead by Phantom Planet
Excellent, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 8/10
Phantom Planet discovered the joys of rockin' out on their third, self-titled album, which felt designed to move them as far away from the piano-driven pop of The Guest as they could get. Four years later, they keep the volume turned up on Raise the Dead, also their first album for Fueled by Ramen. Their anthemic, rowdy sound makes a lot more sense on this label than it did on their previous imprints, and Phantom Planet just seem more comfortable all around on Raise the Dead.
Based on rating B+
Reportedly inspired by the music of cult leaders Charles Manson and David Koresh, songs of spiritual unease fill the fourth album from Phantom Planet, the once-sunny tunesmiths behind ”California,” that indelible O.C. theme song. Thankfully, this L.A.-based quartet pierces the gloom with winsome melodies and swelling, thunderous choruses. While the downbeat ”Leader” entrances with Arcade Fire-type flourishes (and a children’s chorus), tracks like the riotous ”Do the Panic” rock to the apocalypse with élan.