Phantom Atlantic Say Farewell To 2018 In Festive Style

Friday 7th December 2018
A Minor Presents Phantom Atlantic 'Beneath Your Moment' Single Release at Radio, Toronto

Phantom Atlantic
www.phantomatlantic.com
Alternative/Rock
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It was the night of the media launch for this year's Indie Week in mid October at venue Hideout when I first discovered alternative/rock Toronto band Phantom Atlantic. A short 15 minute set showcased a selection of some of the band's hard hitting rhythmic songs which helped highlight them, as a band to remember from the night and to catch at one of their last shows of 2018. My contribution to the festival as a volunteer in the role of Stage Assistant meant being able to meet the four talented and friendly guys before they hit the stage and made their impression.

Fast forward to the band's last show of the year at the newly renamed Radio, formerly Adelaide Hall, where the band are presenting the release of new single 'Beneath Your Moment' to a lively crowd on a bitterly cold Friday night. The stage lights go off in front of a buzzing crowd that fill the majority of the room and the best opening music you could possibly choose to fit the season and add hype to the anticipation plays, the dramatic choir of 'Carol of The Bells' rings out across the venue. First song of the night reminisces the riff of One By One from one of their biggest musical influences Foo Fighters, on a song that pumps and chugs to a strong rhythm all the way through. Songs that follow have elements of other stadium rock bands Kings of Leon with epic sounding guitars and Coldplay when things become more melodic with Ryan supplying keys. Moments of guitar shredding heighten energy during the set and on-stage banter throughout shows chemistry that only a band of friends can have. A variety of different set ups and lighting during the show also manages to keep the audience entertained by every change, as Phantom Atlantic display awareness for the importance of the visual when showcasing their music on stage.  

Halfway through the set is when Phantom Atlantic drop new single, 'Beneath Your Moment'. There is the musical amalgamation of a pulse set by Ken on drums and Jeff on bass, complimented by Kyle's calling vocals surrounding the venue along with crashing symbols and striking guitars. This song is one of the slower tempo songs in their set and has a relaxed mood. Song tempo is another thing the band enjoy altering during the set, while the majority of songs do tend to be in the vein of garage rock stompers with thundering type drums and intricate guitar play. The penultimate song of the night is previous single 'Lessons' which is obviously their crowning moment. Kyle's vocals soar to a sound that can often be found in some of the most popular modern rock bands. 'Lessons' is a stadium rock anthem and as it comes to a climatic finish the crowd have been conquered. Loud cheers from their strong following beg the band to return one last time. The band answer with another festive surprise as they return to the stage and we're treated to a couldn't-be-more-lively performance of Mariah Carey's hit 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. Madness ensues with support band Man Crush loving their moment on backing vocals in the middle of the stage. The audience are fully involved, dancing and enjoying this singalong moment to arguably the most popular Christmas song ever made. The festive hit tops the night perfectly. 

Despite only having formed in 2017, Phantom Atlantic have a tight, well crafted sound that make them an unmissable band to see live. Be sure to catch a Phantom Atlantic show in the new year when the band return to prove their place within a busy Toronto music scene. In the meantime, enjoy new single Beneath Your Moment here.