[Review] Let’s go to Phantom City! (Phantom album review)

[Left: Kiggen | Middle: Sanchez | Right: Hanhae] This might be one of my last reviews this summer (or even this year? >.< I’ve been quite busy/distracted this summer, I know I should have done more OTL). But I wanted to make sure I promoted PHANTOM because they’re a great group!!! ^o^

[TRACK 1: Phantom City (feat. As One)]

I like the little announcement at the beginning (to be honest I don’t know what most of it meant. I understood “지금 팬텀 시티.” XDDD) Anyways, I LOVE this song! The chorus is so stylish! I couldn’t stop singing it “Phantom City baby~ every city we go… we gon’ take them down.” I like Hanhae’s verse. His style isn’t generic, which is why I became a fan when I heard his mixtape. There’s a lot of emphasis in his words, so you really feel the impact of the lyrics. Kiggen’s rapping has that Japanese influence which gives him a unique edge. As a fan of Japanese music too, I really appreciate the flow he adds to the group. Contrary to a lot of k-pop, Phantom don’t over use English; Sanchez is usually the one to add an English verse. His accent makes the English flow fluidly into the Korean, which I like! It’s more appealing than when the English is staggered as it often seems awkward. I like the overall message of the song, it’s like we’re here and we’ll fight to the top!

I just have this to say: 파이팅 Phantom!!! (^o^)v
This is one of my fave songs EVER! ♥

[TRACK 2: Burning] *title song*

This song has more of a standard format (verse-to-chorus / vocal-to-rap ratio) but it doesn’t make it any less interesting. As I said before, the blend of the member’s voices = pure genius! Seriously, I’ve been listening to their stuff since before the 1st teaser (19 song) I mean, Hanhae’s mixtape, Sanchez’ projects and Kiggen’s Hybrefine… nothing could prepare you for the epic range that is showcased in Phantom City. The music is soft in the verses so that you hear the fullness of the lyrics, then it picks up and gives the choruses a strong impact! The layered vocals and harmonies work so well. Another great song here!

[TRACK 3: Homeground (feat. Verbal Jint & Swings)]

Another one of my favourites! Who else loves Homeground? I like some of Verbal Jint’s stuff and I’ve heard a few features by Swings so that was a total bonus! I have to just say… I love the fact they have Japanese, Korean & English in this song! Songs should mix languages more often! I’m a fan of music AND languages so… WIN!!! XD I understood a lot of this song thanks to my previous Japanese and Korean lessons. I love the explanations and the Hometown pride!
I’d love to do a cover version with 4 other K-pop fans, talking about our own hometowns. The music sounds almost experimental in some parts, I really like the composition!

[TRACK 4: 미역국 (Seaweed Soup)]

Okay, I might as well say every song is one of my faves! XD This song is so cute! Phantom pull out hardcore rapping with deep lyrics, then give us a super 귀여운 song like this? That is what I look for in a group; variety! The vocals and rapping are light and soft like the music, creating a warm dreamy feeling. The piano intro is quite sweet. This song actually reflects real life… sometimes your obligations in life cause you to forget things like (in this case) a loved one’s birthday. My birthday is coming up soon, and I’ll be playing this song the day after… knowing that there’s an event I really want to go to in Japan. TT^TT

[TRACK 5: 어딘데 (Where You At?)]

어딘데 is quite mellow. It’s another cute song, but I really love the emotion in this one! The contrast of Sanchez’ strong high notes with Kiggen’s smooth deep voice and Hanhae’s versatile vocals fitting right in the middle, it creates a perfect balance. As you listen to it the song gets better and better, reaching a crescendo and ending softly.

[TRACK 6: Ice]

Ice a.k.a: Ice Point!!! This song, seriously this song… I remember hearing about Phantom getting the contract with Hite. I’d heard plenty of CF songs (I like a lot of them) and the last Hite one I heard was by Big Bang. It wasn’t bad, the video was hyped too; so I was eager to see what Phantom had in store for us! I NEVER expected to hear DuckSauce! XDDD I’m sure most people know DuckSauce’s Barbara Streisand? I know I spent hours on the Wii trying to master it on Just Dance! Well… Phantom managed to make it even more: dance, party, fun, summer, epic than ever before!!! Anyone need a pick-me-up song? This is the one! Just party! “It’s going down we gon’ party till midnight! It’s going down 세상을 얼려버려!” ♪┗(＾0＾)┓♪┏(＾0＾)┛♪

[TRACK 7: 얼굴 뚫어지겠다 (Hole In Your Face) (Re-Mastering Version)]

I’ve loved this song since it came out last year! I’ve tried singing it but I seriously can’t do it justice. I’ll never be able to upload a cover. This song has everything! Metaphorical lyrics, perfect rap and vocal transitioning, harmonies, catchy melody and the music matches nicely. I can’t praise this song enough!!! Just listen to it and you’ll understand why I’m so speechless.

[TRACK 8: Burning (instrumental)]

Well, that’s my review! Check out the MV for Burning here:

Sooo~ what did YOU think of Phantom City? ^^