For most of us, the last 4 years after the pandemic have felt like a fever dream on repeat. Yet, Pheonix has wasted none of that time and has created momentum, a following, and his first debut album, Closer to Closure.
From the get-go, the album is very forward about its ultimate call-to-action. Closer to Closure opens with a spoken word piece, most notably known from Apple’s 1997 ad campaign, “Think Different.” The music, however, is new and complimentary to the content of the intro. The next and first song outside of the intro, “Our Last Words”, follows the narrative set in the previous track. With bigger ideals of perseverance tied with a more vulnerable side of Pheonix, the song reflects as a fulfilling and catchy pop-anthem.
The album continues onto some of the singles we’ve already heard. “Dancing in the Ashes” is a bittersweet emo-pop ballad while “Young and Broken” creatively blends a modern instrumentation with live guitars. A track that also reached No. 45 on the Top 100 Alternative Song Chart. “Everyone Sitting Here” feels like the end of the road for the direction the album was heading in. Darker instances like suicide, the bitterness from mourning someone you lost, and all of the chaos inbetween showcase this song as a checkpoint in the album’s progression.
“Into a Black Hole” highlights a more vulnerable side of Pheonix. He dives into the struggles he and many of our generation will face amidst a world-wide housing and economical crisis. Lyrically, we get a playful sense of imagery with Pheonix often using space jargon as metaphors for a quirky delivery. “Alone in Orbit” continues the trend with a more ambiguous approach. Contrasted by indie drums, pop melodies, and rock guitars, the track soars as another anthem, nonetheless.
“Heartbreak and a Dime” is nothing short of a notice that you have reached the start of the B-side, in the best way possible. Retro and intense synthesizers, immaculate production, and a catchy chorus make this track the lead-candidate for the most repeatedly played song. “Dearest My Everly” is a nostalgically cute letter in the form of a song. The track features an indie atmosphere with crisp guitars and ambient pianos. The album seems to leverage these primarily pop tracks to balance the heavier topics and sounds from the earlier segment.
“I’ve Grown” is the most revealing and vulnerable song on the album. Pheonix writes of the pressures and shame from the weight he and all of us can sometimes take on from others. As put, “A dream is reality if your dream isn’t happening”. The runner up, “1953” seems to lighten the mood, but lyrically juxtaposes that happier-sounding instrumentation.
By this third chapter, the listener can feel more of the experimental efforts Pheonix put in. “Shadowman” is a most rewarding surprise coming in the form of a pop-based EDM track. “Lemonade” features a dark-pop foundation with vividly engaging lyrics that challenge modern ideals that could suggest everyone is a winner. “Too Much Talk” fits perfectly behind and is a very addicting song! Arena-like guitar leads, energy-filled bass riffs, and a raspy vocal tone make this track an intriguing and welcoming listen.
The album closes out on a softer note though. “Three Promises” is a yearning call to the ones we’ve lost or who have passed away. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar and a ballad arrangement, you may feel your heart strings get pulled on this song. The album closes with another acoustic track, “If Nobody”. A powerful folk-feeling song that covers topics of isolation, feeling lonely, while trying to be understanding of other people’s obligations. A feat a lot of us struggle to maintain as well.
Closer to Closure is expected to release by the end of this year or by the start of next year. The album will be released in digital and physical formats. Be sure to follow us and Pheonix more information!
