Phasmids, EP

I never knew what a phasmid was until today. For those of you who don’t know – it’s the scientific name for insects that look like twigs and leaves. I sit staring out of a window as I listen to Phasmids’ debut EP and can’t help but wonder how many phasmids are crawling about the tree in my front yard. Maybe the tree is ALL phasmids – from a distance it appears as one but up close you can see each part moving independent of each other. I know, I know – that sounds like something from another planet. But then again so does Phasmids’ debut EP. And it’s a place I’d like to visit.

I’m gonna go out on a limb here (Yes, I make terrible puns. Deal with it) and guess that Phasmids consists of drums, bass, guitar, keys, and multiple – at least two – vocalists.

The first thing I noticed about Phasmids’ sound is the vocals. There is a lot of gang harmonies going on – male and female voices. They are executed perfectly. They’re thick and characterize the band’s sound. The second most prominent element of Phasmids is the keys. Thirdly the drums. Notice I didn’t say guitar? I’ll get back to that.

The lead track “Many In Few” has a heavy 1980’s underground New Wave swagger. It has a very astral feeling. And when you watch the video, you can see Phasmids are cognizant of the song’s personality. There are multi-colored entities doing interpretive dance in outer space. Yes, you read that sentence correctly. Check it out!

Overall I hear a band of talented musicians writing cool modern New Wave songs. But they asked me to be honest, so I’m going to split some hairs. Or maybe I’m going to prune some leaves from the luscious tree that is Phasmids’ debut EP.

Once again, we’ll start with the lead track, “Many In Few.” I would argue that the production of this song is the strongest on the EP. Which makes sense, because it is the single. The drums are present and driving. All of the elements that characterize their sound are there. In fact, “Many In Few” should be featured in that nostalgic montage scene of a coming-of-age indie movie. It definitely gives me the feels.

The second track “Selene” is the first to feature live drums. It actually sounds like a blend of live drums and electronic drums. “Selene” is more of a rock song and I say that loosely. It’s the punk Smiths song on the album. My only critique here would have been to feature the guitar in a bit more of a traditional role, and let the keys stay understated. The drums have a certain intensity, and the dynamic isn’t quite matched with the keyboard as it’s counterpart. This could have been achieved by putting a layer or two of palm muted electric guitar on either side of the audio spectrum. Not too much in the mix to change the genre (because it could) but just enough to strengthen it up.

If I had “Selene” to do over again, I would make some minor mixing adjustments. I would make the song drum, bass, and guitar oriented, and allow the keys and synths to only pepper the song. Also, I would cut the first 23-ish seconds off of the song and jump right into the meat of it. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a super cool song and I love the melody, and especially the call-and-return vocals in the chorus. I would just take the punk up a notch or two on this one.

Aside from similar mixing suggestions, the rest of the EP flows nicely. The last song “See Me Out” is orchestral and vast. It is perhaps the best showcase of the band’s skill for vocal harmonies.

Throughout Phasmids’ debut EP, I am reminded of The Smiths. I hear some Blue Oyster Cult, and musically a lot of Future Islands. Also, I couldn’t stop thinking of that Dream Academy song from the museum scene in Ferris Beuller’s Day Off. I don’t have a copy of the lyrics in front of me, but from what I can make out there are some super interesting lyrics. Lyrics are probably the most important thing for me as a song writer. I’d be curious to be able to read them.

What is apparent on Phasmids’ debut EP is that they are aware of their sound. They are comfortable in it and they own it. I really want to hear “Selene” re-imagined y’all. I think you have a cult classic on your hands.

The quick of it: The Phasmids’ debut EP is a moody New Wave gem. There’s a lot of beauty here. Is it a leaf or an insect? I’m not sure, just enjoy it.