Zach Adams – Phantom Love (featuring Samantha Palisoc)
Zach Adams’ “Phantom Love” begins with a spin of experimental guitar sounds, revealing its avant-garde objectives. The audio layers recall Radiohead’s neo- prog suspense, Muse’s theatrical style, and even King Crimson’s sharp, progressive style. These influences are visible not in imitating, but in spirit, Adams plays the guitar not only as an instrument, but also as an atmospheric artist. The track flows with psychedelic freedom, based on complex structures that go beyond typical verse-chorus norms. Adams uses a rapid-fire storytelling vocal style with effects that give the performance a retro-futuristic touch. It appears to be a broadcast from another time, or even a chronology that never was. At 2:41, an effective guitar solo changes the mood of the song. It’s a short but dramatic part that offers a musical line among the mayhem. However, the percussion, quirky, unpredictable, and minimalist, is the track’s most distinguishing feature. Rather than forming a traditional rhythm, the beats appear to move around the song’s corners, providing a divided pulse that keeps listeners on their toes. “Phantom Love” is a difficult but rewarding listen. Adams creates a soundscape that is “academic” and emotional, abstract and powerful. It’s a musical experiment that rewards repeated listens, each exposing another dimension in its bizarre world.
