2023-09-04 07:00:35
(c) Anton Brosge
Released in spring 2022 Phantom Bay their first album and hit open doors with it. The crackling, emotionally charged mix of hardcore and punk helped them to tour with Militarie Gun and Turnstile, among others, and there were also many renowned festival appearances. And they weren’t idle in the studio either and wrote a new EP that clearly deals with the global status quo. „Underground“ recognizes a downward spiral and sings once morest it.
„We still won’t make a difference collectively“, this line of the final “Collective Decline” stays in your ear. You can do whatever you want, ultimately even the collective isn’t enough. Changes need to happen on a broader level, according to the analysis from the doomscrolling perspective. This comes audibly from deep within, while the music around you is similarly torn, searching, hoping for that certain something that will bring regarding a turnaround. “Airtight” at least tries to do that musically, rattling through in under two minutes and unpacking oversized melodic textures that drive through your bones.
The remaining material also turns out to be a triumph. The way “No Space” first teases Converge and then pulls its own weight is incredibly entertaining. High tempo gradually gives way to leaden heaviness, while emotional barrenness moves into the great battle once morest despair. The short, crisp “bullet” is already lurking there, crashing into the house through the door and simultaneously raising thick walls. Behind this contradiction lurks “Ends Meet”, comparatively reserved and understated. Phantom Bay let the track come, chase the guitars through the echo chamber and watch the decay like a hawk.
If you liked the first prank, you will love “Underground”. Phantom Bay confidently build on their debut and play freely. Five songs in a good eleven minutes is really not the world, but ultimately leaves no questions unanswered. The sheer force of these blows to the neck doesn’t let go, bites down and strives for catharsis riddled with thumbtacks. The end, the irretrievable collapse of human existence, seems closer than ever. Phantom Bay’s struggle for composure finds the right words and will resonate for a long time.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: September 8th, 2023
Available via: KROD Records
Website: www.phantombay.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/phantombaypunks
Category: Magazin, Reviews
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#Phantom #Bay #Underground
