Customer Reviews

Phantom Punch

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this album yesterday, so it hasn't had a chance to grow on me, but I can offer a few impressions.

First of all, longtime fans should be warned that this is the least melodic thing Sondre Lerche has ever done. The music is angular and energetic, at times downright raucous, and the wistful pop hooks of Two-Way Monologue are nowhere to be found. Instead, we have rapid, unpredictable melodies that twist and turn through a variety of blue notes and key changes. Some bits are catchy, while others (on first listen at least) are just hard to follow. These songs are clearly the product of an agile and highly trained musical mind, and I find them fascinating on an intellectual level. Emotionally, however, they seem somewhat barren: too much logic, not enough feeling. Again, I have not given the songs a chance to grow on me, so it's entirely possible that the emotion is there and I'm missing it. And to be fair, there are a few numbers here that immediately struck me as pretty, specifically Tragic Mirror, John Let Me Go, and Happy Birthday Girl. Hence, I'm giving this album the benefit of the doubt and not four but five stars - really four and a half, but I decided to round up because of my general esteem for the artist and because I'm the only reviewer so far. Plus, I have a feeling I will start to like it better. Most of my favorite albums struck me this way at first.

I recommend Phantom Punch highly if you are a musician or songwriter, or if you just really love Sondre Lerche. His voice and lyrical personality are as quirky and likeable on this album as they have ever been. However, there is no doubt that this is less accessible than his previous work; even the jazz of Duper Sessions, I think, does more to draw in the casual listener. You should only buy this album if you have a certain amount of patience; that said, I hope you do have the patience, because I think you'll find it's worth it.

Sondre Lerche's fourth LP release is a refreshing departure from his earlier work: it's more frenetic and upbeat, experimenting with Latin American-flavored twists and yet still maintaining a definitively "indie rock" label, more so than the sweet-sounding pop melodies of Two Way Monologue and Faces Down (and obviously more so than the jazzy Duper Sessions). There is a revitalizing energy to Phantom Punch that assures the listener that Sondre refuses to box himself into any one category, always experimenting with different types of music without losing that distinctive and wholly original appeal.

"Airport Taxi Reception," "The Tape," "Phantom Punch," and "Face the Blood" are the songs that will get fans tapping their feet and heads along with some truly ear-catching hooks and Franz Ferdinand-inspired riffs. "Say It All," "Tragic Mirror," "Well Well Well," and "After All" are more representative of classic Sondre, and yet there is an air of maturity there that has replaced the sweet but naively innocent impression of earlier albums.

Hardcore fans will recognize the third incarnation of former B-Side "John, Let Me Go" that has cropped up on several EPs over the years in both acoustic and electric form. This time, it's even more pumped up, with a longer, more energized bridge that incorporates some great harmonica work.

Suffice to say, if you're a Sondre fan, you will adore this album as always. If you're new to Sondre, this album is far more mainstream-geared than any prior album and is an excellent introduction into the the ouvre of this phenomenally talented singer and songwriter.

This album served as a bit of an eye-opener for me so my opinion of it may be a bit bias. When I first got it, I was more of a hip hop, neo soul, jazz fusion kind of guy so I was caught off guard when Phantom Punch grabbed me upon first listen and never let me go ... even to this day.

Since then, I've opened up my eyes to many more rock and indie acts, such as MGMT, Liam Finn and As Tall As Lions. And not to mention many of Sondre's earlier releases. However, while those albums are all great in their own rights, this album still holds an utmost special place in my heart. Just listen no further than the title track, "Phantom Punch" to see the why: it's exciting, not over processed and the chorus is beyond catchy and memorable. Moreover, it seems Sondre understands the concept of too much of a good thing, so the songs are nicely varied and cover a wide expanse of musical territories.

What I also love about this album and about Sondre himself is that his singing isn't overdone. Sondre doesn't have the strongest voice but he works comfortably in his range. Particularly since I come from more of a soul music background, there is nothing more tragic to my ears than a singer screeching and wailing on in a manner that doesn't suit his/her voice.

Phantom Punch, thank you for opening my eyes to new musical horizons!

Sondre's fourth album "Phantom Punch" is just that: punchy. It's way more upbeat and frenetic and LOUD than his previous work. It's especially LOUDER than the superb Duper Sessions, which I absolutely loved.

His softer singer/songwriter style that was on display in his first two albums still shines through on a few tracks. Thankfully, his very distinct voice is there throughout.

But, be warned, this is a bit of a departure from his previous efforts. That said, it's still way better than 90% of the other CD's you could be buying. I'm not a fan of the louder Sondre, but it grows on me with each repeat listening. He's still a superb, relatively unknown, artist.

All I have to say is that this album was amazing. Completley different from anything he has done in his past albums. Loved the title song out of all. If you want to hear another side of Sondre then this is it!!!

Phantom Punch marks the third CD that Sondre Lerche has released since 2004. All three recordings have been vastly different from the one that proceeded it, from the Burt Bacharach and Beach Boys influenced Two Way Monologue to the Chet Baker inspired, jazz drenched sounds of Duper Sessions. Lerche has now taken another complete 180 and recorded a CD that displays his "rock" influences that include but are not limited to Elvis Costello, Marshall Crenshaw, Pavement, and the Scottish band Orange Juice.

What makes him such a compelling artist is his ability to recognize his influences and record music that is completely original without coming off sounding like a tribute. This makes Phantom Punch an energetic adreneline rush from start to finish. Lerche has eschewed some of the harmonies of past songs and replaced them with songs that have a frenetic and urgent feel to them. Songs such as "The Tape" and "Face the Blood" certainly fall into this category. This isn't to say that Phantom Punch is without gorgeous harmonies which are on full display on songs that include "Say It All," "John, Let Me Go," and "After All."

Overall, Phantom Punch is a compelling rock album from an everchanging artist who I anticipate will have many more exciting tricks up his sleeve in the years to come.

I loved this CD. I had never heard of Sondre Lerche before this, but I ended up buying several of his CDs. This is my favorite one, although I like Heartbeat Radio a lot as well. I enjoy his lyrics and most of the songs are great fun to listen to and sing along with. I would highly recommend this to someone who wants to try something new and different in pop/light rock.

I love Sondre Lerche. He's one of my favorite artists, but I just don't find this album to be as charming as Faces Down, Two Way Monologue, or Dan in Real Life.

This album rocks more than previous albums by Lerche, and I love it! I love the previous charming crooning/pop, and this new take on his words is also pleasing! I can't get enough of the song Phantom Punch. I saw him perform it live and solo, and it still carried the same oomph and excitement. A great artist who deserves more attention.

I love the movie Dan in Real Life. Its my favorite movie above all others! This is in part to an incredible soundtrack by this artist. He's a Norway native but is sweeping the USA with his solomn melodies and indie vibe. This record is a more edgy follow up to his previous releases. I love the heart behind some of these tracks. Highly recommend! Give this guy a shot...soon, you'll crave his songs like your favorite coffee flavor!