Phantom Phunk - Arboles Ossific

Phantom Phunk

Arboles Ossific
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Hector Alexander, Sasha Cheine, Nicholas Emiliozzi and Juan Gonzalez are Phantom Phunk. The band recently released their LP entitled Arboles Ossific. It’s a fairly straightforward indie rock album that brings to mind bands like The Shins and Super Furry Animals that also goes into one off territory. The band isn’t reinventing the wheel with these songs but they are well written with solid delivery.

They open with “Snowy In Florida.” The song utilizes a couple of samples of newscasts reporting on wildfires. I wasn’t a huge fan of the samples as they seemed superfluous. The song however is catchy with the vocals being some of the best on the album.

“Sip Of Wine” was a certified highlight. They sound great subdued and I wish there were more songs like this on the album. The groove is mellow and chill. I also think the vocals were top notch. Two thumbs up for this song.

They rock out on “The Unheard Spirit Symphony” in very indie rock fashion while “Looping” is another highlight. The centerpiece of the album is “Tommy’s Cosmic Avocado” which is an eight- plus-minute song with a good amount of transition. I was digging the ’70s wah wah pedal. “Jungle Crunch” was an odd deviation. I liked the song but felt it was randomly thrown in at the same time with the Outkast style rapping.

The band again showcases they are their best when they are subdued with ‘Trails in the Dark”. They close with “Spacey” which sounds a lot like its title. It’s another song that didn’t feel connected to many other songs

Arboles Ossific is a slightly scattered album showcasing a band that hasn’t quite figured out how to make everything fit together. I surmise the band will have a better understanding of their sound if they come out with a sophomore effort.That being said there are some gems on this album.

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