Phoenix It’s Never Been Like That is Phoenix’s effort to break away from their trademark French-pop/soft rock style. It’s clear that they’ve been listening to some different bands, like the Strokes, Sea and Cake, and maybe even some George Michael (excellent!), to name a few, but these influences haven’t done much to change Phoenix’s fundamental sound – and that is not a bad thing at all. What Phoenix has done with these influences is use them to liven up their sound a bit. Their previous release, Alphabetical, was undeniably groovy, but it lacked an emotional edge. It’s Never Been Like That has a heart and more – almost every song is sunnier, funkier, and sounds like it was recorded live…sometimes recorded live at a beach party (in the case of “Rally”). The lead-in to “Long Distance Call” riffs on a Strokes-type sound, and the chorus of the song has an unbridled joy that could heretofore not be attributed to a hands-off band like Phoenix.”Long Distance Call” is the start of the set of the three best songs on the album – it’s followed by the wistful summer guitars of “One Time Too Many” and the rich-textured drum work on the funky “Lost and Found.” For long-time fans of Phoenix, this album is another welcome addition to their catalogue. But It’s Never Been Like That will find some new listeners, who will respond not only to Phoenix’s catchy orchestration, but to the new depth of their music. -- Jessica Netishen It’s Never Been Like That will be available via Astralwerks on May 23, 2006.
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