Los Angeles-based act Phantom Sister has announced their debut self-titled EP. This newly minted quartet could easily serve as the house band serving dark and atmospheric tunes for a cult indie film festival afterparty—one where the films are equal parts Spaghetti Western and shadow-soaked thrillers. Comprised of Alison Stolpa (Posh Decay), Alex von Klemperer, Craig Smith, and Vox Porter (Sleek Teeth), this ensemble revels in its eclecticism.
Phantom Sister’s music marries the twangy, expansive guitar of Ennio Morricone with the brooding vibes of Gun Club, girl groups of the ‘Wall of Sound’ 1960s, occasionally flirting with the unabashed rawness of Liz Phair, Siouxsie, and Hole, with a dark UK bands such as The Sisters of Mercy, The Rose of Avalanche, and Look Back in Anger. The band’s music gives off an eerie feeling that’s perfect for a late-night drive through dark and moody landscapes. And with their debut, they tap into a Lychian neo-noir vibe that’s a perfect match for the enigmatic moments of our lives, where mystery and mischief are always just around the corner.
The opening track, Creature Of The Night, offers lyrics that create a haunting and mystical ambiance, merging scenes of desolation with close encounters on a seemingly infinite road. These words paint a picture of a drive charged with tension, the allure of the unknown, and a profound, almost magical bond with the environment. This is followed by Mirror Worlds: a deep longing and search for transcendence in the face of despair and dissatisfaction. As hope and ecstasy decay, the idea of alternate, more hopeful realities prove tempting. The recurring themes of rebirth and renewal (“Roses in spring”) suggest a cycle of suffering and restarting, seeking solace in dreams and metaphysical escapes.
Untrue addresses betrayal and loss, wasted time, broken communication, and unfulfilled dreams. The lyrics talk about the struggle with emotional cruelty and deceit in a relationship, and the final acceptance of its futility. Entrapment and intense emotional conflict take center stage in Nowhere To Go unyielding beliefs and an icy, hardened heart, culminating in inevitable confrontations within dreams. This battle of wills highlights a deep-seated resistance to escape.
Strange Days reflects a deep sense of isolation and melancholy, evoking feelings of being adrift and disconnected. An intense desire to escape their current state emerges, coupled with a profound sense of loss and disorientation. Finally, Failure depicts an intense internal conflict, likening the speaker to a moth irresistibly drawn to the destructive flame of desire. Despite efforts to resist, they are consumed by an emotional turmoil, marked by hope and repeated self-admissions of failure. The changing seasons deepen their sense of despair and entrapment in these feelings.
Listen to Phantom Sisters’ self-titled debut EP below:
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