Phoenix: Ti Amo review – from France to Italy, avec fromage

(Atlantic)

In the 17 years since their potent first album, United, Phoenix have lost some of their exuberance. These days, as Ti Amo, their sixth set, illustrates, the French quartet favour adult-oriented synth-rock over the fluid powerpop that made their name. But while Ti Amo is slow to reveal its charms, there are moments when the cheesy concept – a romanticised version of Italy – is made to seem like a brilliant idea. Tuttifrutti, one of several references to food, is nimble and calls to mind sun-drenched foreign climes, while the airy Fior di Latte flaunts its reverence for dream-pop, suggesting another reinvention is in the offing.

Watch a video for Goodbye Soleil by Phoenix.

Contributor

Paul Mardles

The GuardianTramp

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