Up Against The Phantom – The Sun King
Genre: Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Alternative Rock
There might not be a correlation between art which is perceived as sad, and depression. After all, I doubt that well-adjusted, high-functioning CEOs of Silicon Valley companies listen to the “Hits of Harry Belafonte” while cycling to work. (Although those are great songs).
However, there’s very likely a connection between miserable, cold weather and excellent, depressing music. For one thing, there’s little to do in these conditions but to start a band. Secondly, these climate issues tend to occur in well-to-do countries, which positively affects the musicians’ financial capacity.
Up Against The Phantom’s cheekily titled “The Sun King” is a moody alt-goth song crafted using atmospheric guitars, steady bass lines and theatrical vocals. This is Norwegian alt-rock. And if you know anything about this beautiful place, you’ll know that the title of the song is mentioned in jest. It turns out goths can be funny!
Sonically, Up Against The Phantom suggest the kind of sound that requires your undivided attention. The vocal harmonies and start-stop parts invite the listeners to get lost in a musical arrangement that is as deep and filled with riches as The North Sea.
Karmic Juggernaut – Sun Puzzle
Genre: Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock
The success of progressive-rock bands seems so unbelievable nowadays that, were there, no video footage of Yes, Queen or ELP selling out arenas, nobody would believe you. Prog-rock was never cool for long, sure. But it’s never stood at a stronger contrast from the rest of the charts than it does right now.
Prog-rock songs, you see, have to be built from a number of well-assembled musical parts. They’re meant to showcase the musical ability of the players.
Modern pop music, you’ll know, is usually built from one single part. The musical chops of the participants aren’t much important, and occasionally their identity is hidden strategically.
Karmic Juggernaut’s “Sun Puzzle” is prog-rock designed to be heard by the world. Yes, it’ll be hard to fit this on TikTok videos. But there’s a grandiosity here and enough memorable bits of music that it could make believers out of any type of listener.
The most striking element is the vocals. These never leave the singer’s highest register from where he throws mysterious lyrics like an ancient priest leading a ceremony. Meanwhile, the musicians accompany his vision through expansive jazz-rock phrasing. It’s enough to make you want to pay attention to serious music again.
