Upon first listen, Phantom Planet’s music may sound raw, brusque, and typically defined as “garage rock” – a tired description printed and voiced more times lately than “Paris Hilton.” However the band’s new flavor of “garage rock” is a far cry from the days of Phantom Planet past – releases that were dripping in pop rock whipped cream. In fact, the theme song for the Fox show The O.C. was their catchy 2002 tune “California.” With their new brash sound in place, is Phantom Planet ashamed of this past relationship with semi-melodic pop rock?
That was the question posed to bassist Sam Farrar upon the release of their self-titled 2004 album Phantom Planet, that conjures up sounds of earlier punk counseled bands like Television, The Jam, and Elvis Costello and The Attractions.
The answer: “Not really, but looking back on it I really feel like we were another band,” said Farrar by phone. “That whole ‘California’ record is so not where we are right now. “
Like cheesy deep space explorers in the 1961 sci-fi movie that is their namesake, Phantom Planet has left the safety of their semi-melodic pop of yesterday to explore new regions of the musical universe. Drummer Max Weinberg said it best on Conan O’Brien: “Okay, you guys hear this? Now this is a real band.”
Formed by Los Angeles high school friends Alex Greenwald (guitar/lead vocals), Jacques Brautbar ( guitar), Darren Robinson (guitar), Sam Farrar (bass) and Jason Schwartzman(drums) ten years ago, Phantom Planet landed a deal with Geffen Records in 1997 and began production of their full-length debut–Phantom Planet Is Missing–later that year. After being dropped from Geffen, the band hooked up with producer Tchad Blake to record The Guest. Blake, known for his work with The Bad Plus, Los Lobos, Tom Waits, and most recently Phish’s yet to be released new studio album, helped them craft their slickest work yet, The Guest. It incorporated contemporary guitars and atmospheric samplers, and of course featured the previously-mentioned chart-happy “California.” Schwartzman, also an actor who held roles in feature films Rushmore and Slackers, would leave the band in May of 2003 to further pursue a career on the big screen. Jeff Conrad, has since stepped in behind the Phantom kit and these young Californians, now released from the constant distractions and media nonsense involved with having a movie star in the band, are on a course for re-invention with Phantom Planet. Produced by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Longwave), Phantom Planet took six weeks to record. Farrar credits its dirty sound from “just being on the road and listening to more different types of music.”
The first single “Big Brat,” with its identifiable crack guitar riff and rough vocals, sets the tone for the entire release. Although “First Things First,” with its get-ready fat bottom beats and Tom Morello firecracker inspired guitar riff, might be the fan’s choice for top song of this eleven-song album, the band knew from the outset that “Big Brat” was going to be the single.
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Reflecting on that decision, Farrar says, “ It was the obvious choice for the single and to announce our new sound. It was one of many songs on the record that really stood out, but when we look back on it, it shows we really made a great record.”
The video for “Big Brat” is landing heavy video play on MTV2 and was directed by the noteworthy Spike Jonze. The video satisfied Greenwald’s infatuation with zombies – they filmed a faux documentary of Phantom Planet making their own home zombie movie. Although it bares an eerie resemblence to Michael Jackson’s landmark “Thriller” video, the band is confidant they aren’t selling themselves short in mixing the actor vs. musician role. A trait that was so common in the hey day of 1980’s MTV was that it often stole musical integrity from the artist – just ask Huey Lewis and the News. About their brush with videos, Farrar, is quick to note that, “it’s a great way to express ourselves” while reminding his audience that “ I don’t think we’ll ever be on MTV1, but MTV 2 is still doing ok.”
Although Phantom Planet may be a buzzword, possibly due to suave marketing and their famous former drummer – the band is ready to show they belong with the respected acts they have toured with. A roster that includes: Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Guided By Voices, Travis, The Vines, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Peter Yorn, Ben Lee, and American Hi Fi. Prior to the release of their latest album, Phantom Planet was on the road for a back-breaking 17 months-a touring schedule that helped harden their new maturing sound. “I can’t remember when the last time Alex (Greenwald) took a shower,” jokes Farrar. Perhaps growing up has never been easier for these high school chums, who have also shed their clean cut, pretty boy image, although facial hair is still waiting in the wings.
Matching dirty vintage garage rock with contemporary accessibility might be the hot selling point in today’s music climate. However, upon releasing their strongest effort to date, Phantom Planet is coming closer to allowing their ghoulish name and brash music speak for itself.
