Everything about this record feels like you’re soaring through all the feelings expressed in it. Paradise Drive labels themselves as an alternative – space – rock band, when really they could easily attract audiences who enjoy different types of music. You get the feel of rock, you get to hear synth, you get to hear vocals that would stay intact for days. “The Phenomenon” is as versatile as it gets, as it narrates life in such a unique way.
“Wasted Blood” is a catchy start and holds a subtle build up for what’s to come. It’s a great opener, as it dives head first into inner sentiments and feelings. The vocals are mellow, and the instrumental has that familiar and iconic sound of alternative rock. Labeling himself as ‘wasted blood’ is more likely due to the low esteem as seen through the narrations of his youth, carried into adulthood, across the song.
In simple terms, “Feel so Good” is a feel-good song. Every note corresponds accordingly with the delivery of the lines, and in turn, makes it an effective mood lifter across audiences. This song serves as a light seeping through the cracks, if it were to be connected to the sad nature of the previous track. However, it also has the potential to be a standalone, or that one song you could easily get used to just by how good it sounds.
This album has a handful of songs in the love category, and it’s no mistake that each one of them talks about a former special someone. We don’t want to limit our interpretations there, however, as it could be almost anything other than a person. “Rule the World” asks questions and explores possibilities about being with someone, but not to an extent where he’s desperate: “If I found a way to fall in love with you forever / Together, our love would rule the world”.
“Girl on the Plane” goes into specifics, as this track takes its time and savors the moment in describing this woman, presumably a flight stewardess. A sense of appreciation and infatuation is definitely present, but what’s actually brilliant is the way the compliments and endearments are worded, taking her occupation and relating everything about it to her beauty (“Like a star in the sky, simple but divine / Girl on the plane, I wish you could be mine”.
The guitar techniques in the background of the song “Telepathy” are mesmerizing, emphasizing the album’s cosmic aesthetic more. It’s another love song, yet it seems that both parties haven’t, or couldn’t meet personally. And, for some reason, the lines “I got my soul on the ground / And my substance in sound” is a great way to put his current situation into words.
After three songs on love, “Let’s Be Clear” is a slap to the face, as it is about waking up and realizing his worth and what he deserves. The upbeatness of the song exudes, in a way, a newfound confidence and sense of self, not giving in when the problem comes crawling back, which is remarkable.
Moving forward, once “Into the Stars” begins playing, it feels as though you’re entering a space station, with the words helping that imagery as well. The wordplay is wonderful, with one line being a nod to the almighty being by using actual words in prayer. In essence, it is an extraterrestrial take on figuring out life and finding meaning, as seen through lines like “Divine creator, give me strength / A helping hand to understand”/
“Friend”, a personal favorite, has a connotation of someone dying of suicide. Everything about this song is emotional yet remains to be ear-catching. It’s an ode to everyone that lost the battle. The line “Will you be my friend / Or does my life have to come to an end” is utterly devastating, and could be interpreted in a way that people only pay attention to someone once they are gone, in opposition to when they are still living.
Returning to the sound of love, a recurring feeling in one’s life, comes “Presence”, an intense song about yearning for someone. Honestly, the guitar licks in the chorus are amazing, really adding depth to the sound profile of these songs. “I Love You” is essentially about doing everything for the person he loves, and the ending line of “I think your essence is my curse” is something to ponder about. Additionally, “Fall in Love Again” consists of a certain ease, or reassurance, that the person he longs for will indeed come back to him, as “love will find a way”.
The last track is personal, and seemingly set in the present. “Flow”, contradicting the rest of the songs, starts with isolated piano and vocals, as opposed to an immediate kick of lively instrumentals. Nevertheless, “Look what I found / A brand new sound” would be right; it talks about not being in the same timeframe as other well-known bands out there, yet they still persist to create new tunes people know and love.
It all ends with an array of “can you feel the flow?” which is a special, intimate moment between the band and the listeners. It connects both ends in different ways all throughout the record, may it be through feelings, experience, or the sound in general. “The Phenomenon” is a consistent work of art, and it is definitely worth your time.
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About the Author
Kate Clarice Lee is a psychology major in Ateneo de Naga University with a knack for music and writing. She takes interest in playing guitar, poetry, creative writing, and lyrics that—subjectively—hit close to home. Kate mostly enjoys indie, alternative, pop & punk rock music.
