Phantom Pink - Czech New Wave (Swan) [Alt-Pop]

Hailing from Los Angeles, known as Brayton Walls by day and Phantom Pink at weekends, Walls has been carving out a singular indie-pop meets art-rocking sound in the West Coast underground shadows from an early age. His sound can sway merrily, ache with pain, pierce the speakers and everything in between depending on his whim. He's doing his own thing, and you've got to like that.

It appears he's a bit of a culture-vulture too. His latest single is a homage to the Czechoslovakian film makers of the 60s, a scene I wasn't aware of, but I can't help feeling he's done this cultural moment justice.

Some gentle strumming eases the listener into the track, but it's not long before some organs floats around the background to add a paranormal vibe and give us the first hint this might not be the straightforward slice of folk rock that Wall's heart on sleeve vocals and guitar suggest. The drums take their time appearing, easing their way in before joining in the fun when Walls decides halfway through that it's time to let rip, add some horns, crank up the strings, hit the keys, show off his vocal range and go all slow psyche rock with his guitar.

The boy can arrange too, there's a pleasing initial patience to the track - especially welcome in today's desperation to hook the listener in the first five seconds tendencies, before the live show rocking crescendo. Credits are absent so who knows if he's a one man band/DAW demon, I somehow doubt it as there is quality in all departments, but what I do know is that it's a mighty fine, mildly theatrical, shadowy slice of lysergic alt-pop rock with genuine craft. Keep an eye on this one.

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Playlist Companion

Find Phantom Pink in the Slow Psyche Playlist.