Bankrupt!

                On Bankrupt!, the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2009's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix delivers an album that does not disappoint. Although Bankrupt! sees Phoenix reducing the role of their trademark guitars to expand upon the keyboard-heavy sound first introduced on Wolfgang, this transition, for the most part, seems natural. Songs like "The Real Thing" and "Oblique City" justify this progression  displaying an infectious combination of keyboard riffs and driving rhythms. However, what cements the agreeableness of this keyboard-driven style is it's synergy with Thomas Mars' voice. This can best be seen on "Bourgeouis", a song with a backing track which would sound right at home on a Daft Punk album.  On this track  Mars' voice perfectly accentuates the music, captivating the listener.

                  Although the keyboards compliment many of the songs, the title track sees an excessive use of programming, creating a forgettable seven minute interlude.  This song, however, is the exception and for the majority of this ten-track album the programming does not overwhelm the listener.  

                Keyboards may be the most prominent instrument on the album, but when Phoenix returns to guitar-driven music like on lead single "Entertainment", the result is satisfying.  "Entertainment" shows Phoenix experimenting with an East Asian mood. When combined with the song's strong hooks, the end result  should remind North American listeners why they paid attention to the band when they released similarly catchy songs like 1901.