Phantoms

This Austin-based trio, led by the powerful guitar riffs and ethereal vocals of frontwoman Lauren Larson, has drawn comparisons to Sonic Youth and Blonde Redhead, while mapping out their own post-punk alternative terrain. The opening shimmers of “Rubicon” show amazing complexity for the three-piece, while “Burst” turns up the sizzle until the pop hooks melt into the layered tonal patterns. Their second album, Phantoms, is packed with loose rock influences that converge into swaths of pure beauty. The guitars encircling the pulsing rhythms of “The Push,” the explosive tension percolating throughout “Run Wild” and the potent drum rumbles that puncture the shoe-gaze aura of “Dancing Blind” are the sounds of an expert group pulling out all the stops. Rolling Stone magazine named them one of the nation’s best unsigned bands before they were snatched up by their current label. The notice came after impressive performances at various music industry showcases. Said to be recorded at various Austin studios, living rooms and closets, Phantoms is an expression of well-defined talent.