The Phantom Sound
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The Phantom Sound

London, England, United Kingdom | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF

London, England, United Kingdom | SELF
Established on Jan, 2013
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"The Phantom Sound-'The Phantom Sound'"

You know how there are some bands you love and wish/think they should be huge? Most music fans will name acts they believe deserve more success, but, truth be told, several of the artists I personally think should be selling millions are simply too "alternative" to ever really get beyond cult status - unless they ditch their current sound and opt for the whole selling-out idea, something which is often scoffed at but is perfectly fine so long as the band believe in their music and its still of a high standard. When it comes to Los Angeles-bred, London-based act The Phantom Sound (the solo project of Marisa Schlussel, ably backed by Matt Lackford, Louis Seris and Eduardo Dolzan) there is a genuine case for much chart-based activity.

The Phantom Sound aren't overly commercial, but then you don't need to be to be a high-selling group, and neither are they lo-fi or particularly left-field. On this debut album we're given some very good, modern indie-rock tracks that have attracted the attention of some impressive names: as well as being produced by Ken Stringfellow who's performed as a member of Big Star, REM and more, half of the record includes legendary Blondie drummer Clem Burke (one of the finest sticksmen in the history of rock/pop), with Rilo Kiley's Pierre DeReeder contributing bass to a couple of tunes. These people know potential when they hear it, and Marisa Schlussel is not short in that department, and when you combine that with the band, producer and contributors she has, the results were unlikely to be a let down.

Storming opener and previous single 'Get To Me' lets you know this right from the offset, and while it may be one of the strongest songs here, it's by no means the only thing worthwhile about this album. 'The Phantom Sound' doesn't really have any filler, and while, say, 'Crushing' may not quite have as much instant impact, it's still a slow-burning, brooding powerhouse, and 'Silent Hush' has a poppy vibe that would easily lend itself to radio play - and that's just the first three tracks. The new-wavey 'Falling Out Of The Way' is another with single potential, likewise the catchy highlight 'In His Smile' and punky whirlwind 'Release Me'- it would be easy to comment on every song. All-star cast or not, Marisa has a great voice, The Phantom Sound possess a fistful of quality tunes and it's all conspired to make this a memorable debut from a band who really should (and hopefully will) breakthrough to the mainstream before long. - The Sound of Confusion


"Tracks of the Week"

With influences ranging from The Ramones to Duran Duran, Marisa – aka The Phantom Sound – is currently completing her first solo album with help from Blondie’s drummer, Clem Burke, Rilo Kiley’s Pierre DeReeder and Ken Stringfellow of REM fame – not bad contacts to have!

These ‘80s influences are evident in latest single, ‘Get To Me’, alongside a vigour reminiscent of ‘90s female-fronted bands such as Sleeper or Elastica. As Marisa’s gutsy vocals are juxtaposed with jangly melodies and emotional content, a subtly powerful ballad is created. - Gigslutz


"The Phantom Sound, album review"

Wer von wem genau jetzt wie durch The Phantom Sound beruhigt werden muss, ist da schon schwerer einzuordnen. Musikalisch nahe am distinguierten New Wave der frühen Roxy Music, verpasst Marisa Schlussels Stimme diesem Debüt oft Debbie Harrys leicht gelangweilten Grundton und wirkt dabei ebenso aufgekratzt wie tiefenentspannt. Ein unvergleichlicher Spagat, den vor und nach Blondie kaum eine Band zuwege gebracht hat.
Auch The Phantom Band nähern sich dem nur mit etwas Abstand an. Ihr digital aufgemöbelter Spätpunk klingt bei aller Lässigkeit allerdings oft so herrlich beschwingt und sachlich zugleich, wie es der Pop nur in seiner kreativen Ausdifferenzierungsphase zwischen Flower Power und Techno gelegentlich geschafft hat. Vornehmlich psychedelische, gern mal electroclashige Rock-'n'-Roll-Riffs im Rücken, erzählt die Kalifornierin mit Wohnsitz London aus dem Hallraum des Studios so beiläufig von Beziehungsbelangen, dass man gar nicht recht merkt, wie einem vieles davon in die Glieder fährt. Also doch eher ein Upper als Downer. - Die Zeit


"Chickens are Dinosaurs Video Premiere, The Phantom Sound, 'Release Me'"

The follow up to girl fronted new wave indie rockers The Phantom Sound‘s July debut ‘Get to Me‘, vintage melodic punk number ‘Release Me’ takes inspiration from the old school, sharing a drummer with Blondie (Clem Burke), and with upbeat playful rock melodics that channel Bowie, Duran Duran and Roxy Music .

Fronted by Marisa Schlussel, look out for The Phantom Sound‘s debut album set for release October this year, featuring Pierre DeReeder (Rilo Kiley) and produced by Ken Stringfellow (the Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M). - Chickens are Dinosaurs


"Video Premiere, The Phantom Sound, 'Release Me'"

Following her last single, ‘Get To Me’, The Phantom Sound has returned with a brand new track from her forthcoming album. Citing influences ranging from David Bowie and Blondie to The Ramones, Marisa (the driving force behind The Phantom Sound), has been able to work with the likes of Clem Burke from Blondie and Ken Stringfellow (Big Star, REM) on the album.

These ’80s influences are evident in latest single, ‘Release Me’, alongside a vigour reminiscent of ’90s female-fronted bands such as Elastica or Sleeper, as Marisa’s gutsy vocals are juxtaposed with jangly melodies and emotional content. - Gigslutz


"On My Radar, The Phantom Sound"

Inspired by the riotous, experimental sound of 70s and 80s punk bands, Marisa Schlussel, better known as The Phantom Sound, is not afraid of ruffling a few feathers. “Bands were experimenting and evolving, trying new sounds, getting angry and speaking out, and all those things are what makes music worth doing for me,” says the singer who counts The Ramones, Duran Duran and David Bowie among her primary influences.

Raised in LA but now residing in London, Schlussel has spent the last year recording her debut album with producer Ken Stringfellow, best known for his work with R.E.M. The first single, the fearless ‘Get to Me’, a thumping romp of drums and electric guitars, heralds the birth of a powerful new voice on the rock scene. And as though working with Stringfellow wasn’t enough, the track also boasts an appearance by Blondie’s Clem Burke on drums.

“I knew as soon as I heard Clem’s drums that I wanted that to be my musical introduction to the world,” says Schlussel. “Ken encouraged me to try something different, so I had remembered this riff I had played around with once on a xylophone, and decided to write a song around it.” As a debut single, ‘Get to Me’ is a bold statement, a no-holds-barred barrage of in-your-face guitars and defiant riot girl chants. If Schlussel wants to get noticed, this is the track to do it.

Having already worked with one of her musical heroes (“I have loved Blondie since I was a kid,” she gushes), I wonder if there’s anyone else Schlussel has her eye on. “I wouldn’t pass up a chance to work with PJ Harvey,” she says. “She’s always been an inspiration for me. I think she has a lot of power and grace. Those are qualities I hope to bring to the stage as well.” There are undeniable shades of Harvey to be found in The Phantom Sound’s new track, the riff-heavy guitars reminiscent of Harvey’s 2000 album Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. Even Schlussel’s aesthetic, with her straight brown hair, bright red lipstick and open white jacket harks back to Harvey’s video for ‘This is Love.’

With a full album expected later this year, Schlussel hints that the record will be as punky as her lead single, inspired by her idols from the 70s and 80s. Lyrically, however, we can expect Schlussel to wear her heart on her striking white sleeve, as she claims the songs are written about episodes from her own life. Now gearing up for some live dates during the summer, The Phantom Sound looks set to make a big splash, and it’s only a matter of time before her bright red lipstick is smeared all over the punk rock landscape. - EQView


"New Music of the Day: LXVI - Release Me - The Phantom Sound"

Clearly inspired by a new wave groove, that melting post-punk pot of pop, indie and rock and pitched somewhere between The Ramones, Blondie and Duran Duran, The Phantom Sound manage to repackage everything you loved from those creatively explosive and turbulent times (or have heard in your parents record collections) and pitch it at a more contemporary audience. And it works. Brilliantly. And it is not surprising to read that a string of names have had a hand in the bands forthcoming album release, producer Ken Stringfellow (Posies, REM, Big Star) Rilo Kiley bassist Pierre De Reeder and even keeper of the Blondie beat Clem Burke adds his magic.

So a nostalgic throwback for people of a certain age? A musical retelling of an important part of the history of modern music? A new dance to an old beat…or vice versa? All this and more? You decide, I’m just going to take the song for what it is. A damned good tune. Simple as that. - Dancing About Architecture


"Conoce el rock de The Phantom Sound"

The Phantom Sound es el nombre artístico que Marisa Schlussel eligió para darse a conocer entre el mundo musical.
Sus influencias son claras, van desde los finales de los 70 hasta principios de los 80. Lo que más le gusta son los movimientos punk y new wave al estilo de David Bowie, Blondie, The Ramones y Duran Duran.

Con éstas, se encuentra creando su álbum debut homónimo, un material lleno de canciones poderosas, emocionales y honestas que se fusionan con su propio estilo de rock.

El disco de The Phantom Sound incluye la producción de Ken Stringfellow de R.E.M, la colaboración de Clem Burke, baterista de Blondie y Pierre DeReeder, bajista de Rilo Kiley. - Indie Rocks


"The Phantom Sound, "Get to Me", single review"

The Phantom Sound is the first solo project of LA born artist Marissa Schlussel. Now residing in London, Marisa is currently working on her debut self-titled album, which boasts an all-star line-up including tracks featuring Clem Burke, drummer for Blondie, and Rilo Kiley bassist Pierre De Reeder. Marisa’s punk rock and new wave influences are fully embraced in her work, something particularly apparent in her debut single “Get To Me”, the first release from her up-coming album.

The track opens with a very short droning intro before crashing into the first verse, which features grungy guitar chords and high energy drum beats. Marisa’s moody and steady yet powerful vocals entwine nicely with the melancholic provocative vibe of the song, and the general mood is subtly lifted with memorable upbeat keyboards. When the chorus hits, anthem like vocals are introduced chanting the song title with plenty of effective reverb, and this catchy groove lifts the song from grungy pop to radio rock. Breaks are well placed throughout, and the song while repetitive, maintains momentum throughout. When it does end, the single finishes suddenly in a quirky sharp manner, which includes each instrument ceasing in an edgy and effortless punk rock bang, with the added trailing out of extra-terrestrial style synth.

The video released for “Get To Me” reflects the haunting mood of the song, and features characters personifying the lyrical narrative. As a visual aid it works well to emphasize, but this song is strong enough to stand alone.

Get To Me is a catchy first number from The Phantom Sound’s debut self-titled album, and only anticipates the accessible genre of grunge pop, radio rock which hopefully remains strong in the rest of the record. The song has also featured on BBC Introducing London, has been added to the Amazing Radio playlist, and was voted top song on Charlie Ashcroft’s Audition Show. Produced by Ken Stringfellow of the Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M., the up-coming album The Phantom Sound is sure to impress. - Pure M Magazine


"Super Indie-Pop Get To Me by THE PHANTOM SOUND"

Super Indie-Pop Featuring CLEM BURKE from BLONDIE and produced by KEN STRINGFELLOW (R.E.M.)

Los Angeles artist (now residing in London) Marisa Schlussel is currently completing her first solo album project, titled The Phantom Sound.

Her influences include artists from the late 70s and early 80s punk era including David Bowie, Roxy Music, Blondie, The Ramones, and Duran Duran.

She creates strong, emotional and honest songs, inspired by the artists of that era, and then combines early sounds with her own inspirations.

The first single from The Phantom Sound has been released. With two more on the way.

We had a listen to the first single, titled GET TO ME:

This has drama, intrigue and, of course, pedigree.

The drums start tumbling back onto themselves quickly, and the guitars shift into twangy grindy mode, as required.

Marisa’s performance is pseudo-symphonic in texture and attitude… Like an angel hanging empty-handed in a listless sky.

But, although cheerless and dispassionate, the voice keeps your attention. And the “Stay close…” Chorus will, undoubtedly — Uh! — help you to Stay Close!

That’s the magic of this, it’s sophisti-pop — played with enthusiasm and real, hidden, tingle… - Raw Ramp


"First Signs of Love"

An explosive shot in the arm of punk inspired, dreamy indie goodness.
The Phantom Sound aka Marisa Schlussel has announced her arrival in some style, we love the little touches like the rock scream as her debut single ‘Get To Me’ fades to its stunning conclusion. This single precedes a much-anticipated album, which is full of legendary music industry talent.
She’s been fortunate to work with several excellent and accomplished artists on this album. Ken Stringfellow of the Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M. is producing the album as well as playing on it. Clem Burke, drummer of Blondie, plays on several of the tracks and Pierre DeReeder, bass player from Rilo Kiley, also contributes, among other talented musicians. She wrote and recorded this album in Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Paris.

Marisa’s influences quickly become apparent from the late 70s and early 80s punk and new wave movements such as David Bowie, Roxy Music, Blondie, The Ramones, and Duran Duran. She is creating powerful, emotional, and honest songs inspired from that era, and combines it with rock in a new way. The Phantom Sound is this week’s First Signs of Love featured artist and we can’t wait to hear more. - Right Chord Music


"Download of the Week"

The Phantom Sound has released the song “Get to Me” as a free track so we’ve decided to make it our download of the week (download here).

London rock n roller Marisa a.k.a The Phantom Sound, is busy working on her new album produced by Ken Stringfellow (Posies,Big Star, REM).

The Phantom Sound state being influenced mostly by 70’s and 80’s rock legends like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, and The Pretenders. Under “genre” on her Facebook Page she chose to write “rock and roll, man…what else is there?” We can tell Marisa has dedicated her life to rock music and were diggin’ it, star tattoo’s and all! - Lady Indie


"Press Play, Single Of the Week"

TVD SINGLE OF THE WEEK:
The Phantom Sound – Get To Me - The Vinyl District


Discography

Get to Me - debut single, released July 2015

Release Me - second single, released August 2015

'The Phantom Sound' - album, released October 2015

Photos

Bio

The Phantom Sound
Marisa formed The Phantom Sound in 2013 -- she had a dream to work with artists that inspired her, and she made it happen. Her influences include artists from the late 70s and early 80s punk and new wave movements such as David Bowie, Roxy Music, Blondie, The Ramones, and Duran Duran. She is creating powerful, emotional, and honest songs inspired from that era, and combines it with rock in a contemporary way. She has been fortunate to work with several excellent and accomplished artists on this album. Ken Stringfellow of the Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M. produced the album as well as played on it. Clem Burke, drummer of Blondie, plays on several of the tracks and Pierre DeReeder, bass player from Rilo Kiley, also contributes, among other talented musicians. Her single,"Get to Me", has aired on BBC introducing London on the Gary Crowley Show, has been added to the Amazing Radio playlist after winning the top voted song on Charlie Ashcroft's Audition Show, and has had various radio play around the U.S. and Canada. They have also been invited to play Canadian Music Week 2016, and will be representing the UK in Toronto in May. She wrote and recorded this album in Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Paris. Marisa is originally from Los Angeles, though now resides in London, England. The Phantom Sound is currently playing live shows, and looking to play more of the UK and Europe. The Phantom Sound is Marisa Schlussel (vocals), Matt Lackford (guitar/vocals), Louis Seris (bass/vocals), and Eduardo Dolzan (drums).  


Band Members