Review: Phoenix

The screams that accompanied the performance by pop perfectionists Phoenix at the Uptown Theater on Wednesday were of the sort usually reserved for teen idols.

Photo by Bill Brownlee 

The hysterical reception the French band received from the capacity audience of about 2,300 was entirely merited. Phoenix's triumphant display felt less like a victory lap than an affectionate farewell kiss from an act that appears to be on the cusp of even greater accomplishments.

Beginning with its debut album in 2000, Phoenix has fashioned an increasingly impressive catalog of art-glazed pop songs that rank among the best of the decade. Wednesday's concert focused on selections from their impeccable 2009 release, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix."  The breakthrough album has dramatically altered the course of the band's career.

"Last time we were here we played in a very small place," vocalist Thomas Mars recalled of his band's show at the RecordBar 10 months ago.

Simultaneously intimate and anthemic, Phoenix is one of the rare acts capable of crafting deeply layered, fussily arranged studio albums that also translate into riveting, arena-ready live material.

Wednesday's show lasted just over 80 minutes, but it was long enough to cover a kaleidoscopic variety of textures. With its falsetto passages and insistent beat, the delightful "Fences" sounded like a disco-era hit by the Bee Gees.

The light funk groove and breezy melodic charm of "If I Ever Feel Better" evoked the so-called yacht rock of bands like Toto while the dazzlingly catchy "Rally" represented pleasing power pop. The frantic musicality of "Armistice" and the instrumental pomp of "Love Like a Sunset" showcased the band's technical expertise.

The evening's sole flaw was a sporadic bass boom so thunderous that the venue's foundation seemed to be rattling. Basic lighting effects did little to distract from the band's lack of charisma. It didn't matter. The glorious songs were the night's real stars.

Phoenix's most familiar hits, "Lisztomania" and "1901," served as bookends for their set. With a couple additional hits -- and there's no reason to believe more aren't forthcoming -- the screaming inspired by Phoenix will only get louder.

The Roman Numerals: The fallout from the Icelandic ash cloud reached Kansas City's music scene Wednesday. Irish band Two Door Cinema Club was forced to cancel several North American bookings, including their date at the Uptown Theater. Roman Numerals, stalwarts of the regional rock scene, filled in admirably. Although they share Phoenix's gift for melody, the music of the Roman Numerals is darker and heavier than that of their French counterparts. A new song, "No/Go/No," was particularly punchy.

"We got the text message this morning saying come out and do this," said Steve Tulipana, the band's bassist (and RecordBar co-owner). "How could we say no?"

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

Comments

[Josh]

Setlist?

[Eric]

Lisztomania
Long Distance Call
Lasso
Consolation Prizes
Fences
Girlfriend
Armistice
Love Like A Sunset
Run Run Run
Rally
Countdown
Rome
Encore:
Playground Love (Stripped)
Everything is Everything (Stripped)
1901

[aj]

I thought they did a good job of showing some charisma. Obviously the language barrier stifles some of that. Also, the heavy bass interlude only added to the show. It was like a full body massage midway through. All in all and awesome freakin' show.

[Brett]

I grabbed his hand when he crowd surfed by me. My friend gave him a mohawk. It was a beautiful show. Run Run Run was absolutely crazy. Love you Phoenix.

[wied]

Thanks for the setlist, I think they played one more song between Everything and 1901 with the full band, anyone know what it was?

[Lloyd Biddick]

It was Funky Squaredance of the album United.

[trdedektiflik]

thank you