Then, add dizzying drums-not to mention the kick drum porn-that engulfs you in a side-swiping, sonic whirlpool, revolving vocal “Do let’s,” a chorus underpinned by muted keys with maximum singalong capacity and lyrics that compare the magnetism of a romantic relationship to that of the audience and performer. But how did a track whose title is derived from the 19th century fangirl reaction to the music of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt become an undisputed indie rock classic in 2009? First, start with their pogoing guitar line, both precise and unmistakable. Their ambiguous lyrics, laced with references to old world Europe and potentially overwrought romantic metaphors, brought a charming mystique to their bubbly Euro-pop, and both casual and steadfast listeners latched onto their instantly memorable hooks.Įverybody knows their song “Lisztomania” (especially thanks to a recent, near-200 percent streaming spike brought on by AOC). Phoenix are sophisticated, but not cold, anthemic, but not cheesy and simultaneously high-brow and low-brow. With Philippe Zdar (one-half of electronic duo Cassius) on production duties and still taking cues from the funky electroscapes of fellow countrymen Daft Punk and Air, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix tightened up Phoenix’s rock chops and heightened their synth-pop peaks. But Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix has just as much dancefloor staying power and many more garage rock-isms worthy of collective drunk chants. You would still get a giddy response if you put on an Empire of the Sun or Passion Pit record at an indie rock disco.

Phoenix also joined their ranks, and along with records like M83’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix sits among the very best from acts of that era. Indie-pop staples like MGMT, Empire of the Sun, M83 and Passion Pit fused funk, electronica and soft rock in a way that was palatable for young listeners. In the mid to late 2000s, synth-pop and electro-rock bands were all the rage. But their fourth album, 2009’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix-which turns 10 on Saturday, May 25,-achieved a mind-numbing, consistent catchiness and remains their best work to date. French rockers Phoenix have released several solid records-2000’s United merges their slick, funky side with scrappy hues, 2006’s It’s Never Been Like That saw them begin to hone their suave singalong rock and 2013’s Bankrupt! flexed their effervescent synth-pop muscles. There’s nothing more exhilarating than an album where virtually any track could be a single.

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