Phosphene, Breaker

Phosphene

Breaker

Reviewed by: Tiffany Taylor
Phosphene is defined as a spot of light produced by stimulation on the eyeball other than by light. It’s a beautiful and complex way of describing a band made of echoes and sounds that spark a feeling only similar to the feeling you get when you close your eyes. Throughout the entire seven-track album I imagined closing my eyes at the highest point of swinging on a swing set, the rush of wind and adrenaline but at the same time a sense of peace and being finally free. Phosphene captures something unusual and pretty with Breaker that makes them unique and set apart in this world of music.

Being a dream pop band, they pull their influences from the ’80s and early ’90s shoegaze into something that brings rock and reverb into a melodic mystery. They open with “Be Mine”, a declaration of Rachel Frankel on vocals immediately drifting into the lyrics full of romantic dragged in sounds. Her words come in so smooth in almost every track; it is amazing the control and silkiness she is able to achieve so easily. The rest of the band accompanies her in a manner that seems effortless. Towards the end of the song, a solo effort by the guitarist takes the song into star power levels. Following into “Silver” the band enters in the in a repetitive way similar to the first song. There are some back tracks of vocals that add a more complex element to the piece. When Frankel sings “Let’s the start spinning till the sky booms…” you can almost feel time halt.

The middle of the album takes a more softer turn into “Hear Me Out” which has a simple yet powerful guitar/drum introduction. The song falls into a captivating track of give and take. By far my favorite track on the record, I find myself aching and itching for more as each second passes. “Rogue” picks things up with a joyous feel all the way through. Instead of Frankel’s vocals we hear Hemmerich and Kaw with rich and full sound taking the song in and leaving the rest to Frankel.

Overall Phosphene has allowed Breaker to flourish new creative influences and inspiration. This was a perfect release for the middle of spring. A dreamy and luscious album full of emotion and talent that takes listeners up to the clouds above. I was surprised at the levels and layers the album was able to achieve. There was such a remarkable feel of post rock sound but they combine it with a rocker-indie vibe that works. Phosphene is dark room with a ring of light shining from the back window. There’s a glimmer of hope at the end of each track and a sweetness that can only be found after the sadness.

Rating: Bad-Ass