There are those who continue to insist that the album, as a format, is dead. However, with ‘Phantoms’,the successful Canadian pop rock act Marianas Trench prove once again that reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated.
The band drill deeply into the consequences of that loss on the song ‘I Knew You When’, which showcases Ramsay’s staggering vocal range and his group’s ample musical chops in equal measure.
As on their four previous records, Marianas Trench draw on long-established strengths such as heavily layered harmonies and blazing guitars set against club-worthy beats, although ‘Phantoms’ also finds them pushing their boundaries, both musically and lyrically.
Several songs on ‘Phantoms’ stand out as obvious singles, including urgent beat-driven tunes such as‘Only the Lonely Survive’ and ‘Don’t Miss Me?’ to the borderline power ballad ‘Glimmer’. However,listening to the record in full is the best way for listeners to find the room that suits them best among the many in the house the band has built. From the jaw-dropping a cappella opener, ‘Eleonora’, to the unapologetically epic closer ‘The Killing Kind’, with its deep orchestration, ripping guitars and vocal gymnastics, the sheer emotional weight and brutal honesty displayed on ‘Phantoms’ will leave a lasting impression.
In addition to forming and fronting Marianas Trench, Josh Ramsay is a successful producer and writer for a wide range of other artists that include Carly Rae Jepsen, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Simple Plan, Faber Drive, Emily Osment and Nickelback. Working primarily out of a studio he owns in Vancouver,he can play 13 instruments and often performs everything on the songs he produces. One of his most successful works is ‘Call Me Maybe’ by Carly Rae Jepsen, which was nominated for a Grammy.
Check out Marianas Trench’s latest album ‘Phontoms’ below! The physical CD release date in the UK/Europe is 26th April.
We managed to catch up with Josh Ramsey as he talked about the latest album, returning on tour to the UK later this year and more! Check it out below!