Paper Neck, the title of the new single by Phantom Phunk might infer an inability hold a heavy load, but nothing could be farther from the truth. From the opening moments of the track one is thrown into the big arena, where only legendary rock bands go.This song, no doubt, will propel Phantom Phunk into the mainstream heavy metal conscience.
Sasha’s amped out vocals kick the door wide open for the downpour of drums and bass that rumble under the lightening flash of guitars. Heavy, uncompromising and deep, Paper Neck leads you right into the storm. And as all Phunk Phans know, Phantom Phunk’s music requires the listener to dig below the surface to find meaning. The second to last line of the lyrics asks a simple question – “Do we have the exact same problems?” yet that line alone can evoke a million conversations and quite a few thesis papers.
After their signature “Tommy’s Cosmic Avocado,” off of their first album, Arboles Ossific, it is hard to believe that another epic song was coming right on the heels of their debut.Released as a new single before their second album hits the shelves, Paper Neck leaves us with only one question: Is there anything this band can’t do?
Phantom Phunk, a Tampa-based indie rock band, is set to release their debut album on November 19, 2016 . Arboles Ossific was recorded and produced at Harmonic Factory, in Tampa, Florida and mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, England.
Patience Pays
The band spent the last the last year and a half concentrating on composing music, writing lyrics, recording their music and purposely taking the time to form a cohesive group. Since they produced the album in their own studio, they were able pursue their ideas, satisfy their curiosities in the studio, learn about each other musically and form a professional bond based on mutual respect and trust. This has led to a band that has faced challenges head on and come out stronger. They believe that taking this year to focus on recording and developing the band will be a big advantage when they face the stresses of being on the road for long lengths of time, performing in unfamiliar venues and being away from home.
Choosing a Title
When Phantom Phunk was working on their album they broke a lot of drumsticks. Every time a drumstick broke, they planted it in the yard outside their studio. They dubbed the area Drumstick Graveyard and took a picture to memorialize the completion of the album. Behind Drumstick Graveyard is a vast expanse of green grass and behind that is the beginning of the forest. If you look closely, the drumsticks have the effect of fossilized tree trunks – thus Arboles Ossific.
Cover Art
The much anticipated results of the cover art contest were announced on July 23 and with the band’s spooky yet elusive persona, it was anyone’s guess which direction the art would take. The band received amazing feedback and a lot of wonderful submissions. The cover they chose can be seen here and was created by Jamie Williams:
Filling the Park
The official debut of Arboles Ossific will be at a live concert performance in Downtown Tampa at Water Works Park, located on the Hillsborough River and part of Tampa’s now famous Riverwalk. The park itself has a new band shell, expansive lawns and great views of downtown Tampa. There will be a simultaneous release on CD Baby, I Tunes Store, Amazon, Band Camp and in local music stores. Details about the concert are available on their website at www.phantomphunk.com.
Arboles Ossific will be released on CD’s and LP Vinyl and will be available for download. For those who buy the download version, Phantom Phunk will be offering fans bonus tracks not otherwise available to the general public.
Sneak Peak
Meanwhile, Phantom Phunk invites you to explore their music before the official release date. On the tracks available here, you will discover a collection of songs that represent the spirit of Phantom Phunk. Musically, the album covers a lot of ground. From the appealing ballad of Sip of Wine to the punk circus of Snowy in Floridato the fast paced rock of The Unheard Spirit Symphony to the symbiotic relay between electronic and acoustic rhythm elements in Jungle Crunchwith special guest rapper Wayne Price, the music of Phantom Phunk provides plenty to get psyched about. Be assured, every track on Arboles Ossific will capitalize on the groove you can hear right now.
The full tracklisting
Snowy in Florida – lyrics by Juan Gonzalez
Sip of Wine – lyrics by Alex Cheine
The Unheard Spirit Symphony – lyrics by Erica Goldman and Alex Cheine
Gateways – lyrics by Alex Cheine
Hey There – lyrics by Hector Alexander
Looping – lyrics by Hector Alexander
Brother’s Keeper – lyrics by Alex Cheine
Distant Kaleidoscopes – Instrumental by Phantom Phunk
