Oblique Strategies are a set of flash cards created by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt used to help artists think laterally when facing creative block. It's been rumored Coldplay used these cards in the recording of their 2008 album Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends, which not coincidentally was produced by Brian Eno. Lead singer of french indie rock band Phoenix, Thomas Mars, admitted to using the cards “early and often” throughout the creative process of their 2009 critically acclaimed release Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix; and it comes as no surprise after listening to the succinct 37-minute long album that a playful card game was used along the way as the disc maintains both a calculated feel and a sportive tone.
The most “experimental” track of the album, “Love Like A Sunset”, also happens to be arguably the best offering. Here the band is found bridging the gap between French club music and indie rock as part one of the song builds to an apex of processed sound where the beat colloquially “drops” at the halfway point. The groove is only matched in its ambition by the finale of the seven minute triumph in the arrival of acoustic guitar and a syrupy sweet vocal.
The widely popular “1901” is easily the most indelible song of the album. A repetitive chorus of “fold it, fold it” hangs over a punchy, synth syncopation and at no moment is there a waning of energy. “Lisztomania” is also noteworthy for its acute danceability. The fun of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is in full effect in this opening track and it sets a very appropriate stage for what is to be found on the remainder of the LP: playful dance pop. Now, obviously we’re not talking about dance-pop in the fashion of Madonna or even Lady GaGa. This is clearly a very indie style of dance music, but also distinctly frisky. Perhaps one of the best examples of this indie and dance dichotomy is “Fences” which bounces along in a silky groove, complete with hand claps, and yet has a purportedly “indie” chorus.
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Article comments
1 - Charm Rock
This is a pretty good review. I never realized that lack of warmth until I read your review. I'm sure they weren't trying for "lack of warmth", but I sense it. Great band though, love them.