United

Editors’ Notes Lean, ebullient, and sparky, the debut from French quartet Phoenix stylishly transported the cool of New York’s early-Noughties rock revival to Paris. Yes, there are intriguing sonic detours—distorted electro medley “Funky Squaredance”, say—but United’s peaks cleave to a formula of garage-forged urgency. “Party Time” brings thrashy riffs to the soiree and “Too Young” (propelled by frontman Thomas Mars’ tumbling English lyrics) still deserves its spot at the indie anthem top table.