Phoenix
Oct. 2, Zilker Park“We have to come to Texas to see this!” exclaimed Phoenix singer Thomas Mars, proclaiming the surprisingly mammoth crowd the largest audience the French quintet had performed in front of. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix opener “Lisztomania” put the new album’s best foot forward, another evolutionary leap forward in the act’s decadelong advancement into the indie mainstream, inscrutable bassist Deck D’Arcy adding some swoon factor for the already adoring ladies. The late-afternoon set was diverse enough to keep things interesting for the gentlemen as well, mixing new tracks such as “Too Young,” “Rome,” and “Lasso” with “Run Run Run” from 2004’s Alphabetical and a couple of thumping disco-esque tunes, plus Mars’ effusive thanks to the crowd. Sofia Coppola’s baby-daddy seemed genuinely thrilled and touched that so many people would show up to see his band, which returned the favor with a tight performance. Closer “1901” was the cherry on top of a perfect Friday afternoon music festival sundae, a pleasant amuse-bouche in advance of the evening’s heavier acts.
This article appears in October 9 • 2009.