I’ve been a Phosphorescent fan since I first heard “Salt and Blues,” the first track on their debut LP. It has been a great pleasure to watch the band change and evolve over the years, through more raucous folk rock, laid back Americana, and homages to country legends. I even had the privilege of having the band perform at my previous online mag’s SXSW day party one year. So when I received a press release announcing the band’s new album today, my heart skipped a beat in joy. Muchacho will be released via Dead Oceans on March 19, 2013.
“Song for Zula” is the album’s first single and immediately reveals that Phosphorescent has retained their Americana leanings while branching out by the implementation of electronic sounds and textures. Lyrically, the song follows tendencies familiar to primary creative force Matthew Houck. Beginning with a lyrical sample of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” Houck gives the sentiment new immediacy with his own meditation on the burn of love. Houck also plays on the traditional format of the murder ballad, ending the song with the claim, ” I could kill you with my bare hands if I was free.” We are left to wonder if this freedom sought is mental or physical, but each possibility hints at its own dark story as the ambiguity adds to the song’s richness. This song showcases all of the reasons I’ve loved Phosphorescent from the beginning; it’s an artist’s masterful rendering of lyricism and musicianship communicated through a distinct vision. Stream “Song for Zula” via YouTube below.
